modulate

modulate [moj-uh-leyt] SynonymsExamplesWord Origin verb (used with object), mod·u·lat·ed, mod·u·lat·ing.

1. to regulate by or adjust to a certain measure or proportion; soften; tone down.
2. to alter or adapt (the voice) according to the circumstances, one’s listener, etc.
3. Music.
   1. to attune to a certain pitch or key.
   2. to vary the volume of (tone).
4. Telecommunications. to cause the amplitude, frequency, phase, or intensity of (a carrier wave) to vary in accordance with a sound wave or other signal, the frequency of the signal wave usually being very much lower than that of the carrier.

verb (used without object), mod·u·lat·ed, mod·u·lat·ing.

5. Telecommunications.
   1. to modulate a carrier wave.
   2. Citizens Band Radio Slang.to talk; visit: Enjoyed modulating with you.
6. Music. to pass from one key to another: to modulate abruptly from A to B flat.

Origin of modulate 1550–60; Latin modulātus (past participle of modulārī to regulate (sounds), set to music, play an instrument). See module, -ate1 Related formsmod·u·la·bil·i·ty [moj-uh-luh-bil-i-tee] /ˌmɒdʒ ə ləˈbɪl ɪ ti/, nounmod·u·la·tive, mod·u·la·to·ry [moj-uh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /ˈmɒdʒ ə ləˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjectivere·mod·u·late, verb (used with object), re·mod·u·lat·ed, re·mod·u·lat·ing.un·mod·u·lat·ed, adjectiveun·mod·u·la·tive, adjectivewell-mod·u·lat·ed, adjectiveSynonyms for modulate 2. temper, control. Examples from the Web for well-modulated Historical Examples of well-modulated

“I want to see the manager,” said the woman in a well-modulated voice.

Mary Louise and Josie O’Gorman

Emma Speed Sampson

“Pardon me for interrupting you, Mr. Macdonald,” he said in well-modulated tones.

The Cryptogram

William Murray Graydon

He found the place and began to read in a resonant, well-modulated voice.

The Rest Hollow Mystery

Rebecca N. Porter

He speaks in well-modulated tones, the accents nasal and decided.

Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist

Alexander Berkman

The suave and well-modulated voice of Mr. Hotchkiss rang in his ears.

Gabriel Tolliver

Joel Chandler Harris

British Dictionary definitions for well-modulated modulate verb

1. (tr) to change the tone, pitch, or volume of
2. (tr) to adjust or regulate the degree of
3. music
   1. to subject to or undergo modulation in music
   2. (often foll by to)to make or become in tune (with a pitch, key, etc)
4. (tr) physics electronics to cause to vary by a process of modulation

Derived Formsmodulability (ˌmɒdjʊləˈbɪlɪtɪ), nounmodulative or modulatory, adjectivemodulator, nounWord Origin for modulate C16: from Latin modulātus in due measure, melodious, from modulārī to regulate, from modus measure Word Origin and History for well-modulated modulate v.

1610s, in music, back-formation from modulation, or else from Latin modulatus, past participle of modulari. General sense from 1620s. In telecommunications from 1908. Related: Modulated; modulating.

well-modulated in Science modulate [mŏj′ə-lāt′]

1. To vary the amplitude, frequency, or some other characteristic of a signal or power source. See also amplitude modulation frequency modulation.