modulate

verb

mod·u·late | \ ˈmä-jə-ˌlāt

modulated; modulating

Definition of modulate

1 : to tune to a key or pitch

2 : to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion : temper

3 : to vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of (a carrier wave or a light wave) for the transmission of information (as by radio) also : to vary the velocity of electrons in an electron beam

intransitive verb

1 : to play or sing with modulation

2 : to pass from one musical key into another by means of intermediary chords or notes that have some relation to both keys

3 : to pass gradually from one state to another

Other Words from modulate Example Sentences Learn More about modulate

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Examples of modulate in a Sentence

Because she doesn't modulate her voice, she sounds the same when she's excited as when she's sad. The music quickly modulates from its original key, changing the mood of the song.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cladoxylopsids made up our planet's first forests, capturing carbon from the atmosphere and playing a part in modulating Earth's climate. — Daisy Yuhas, Scientific American, "Ancient Tree Structure Is Like a Forest unto Itself," 1 Jan. 2018 Unlike Plato, who saw the passions as unruly beasts to be tamed, Aristotle thought that our job was to tune them—that is, to modulate them and deploy them carefully. — Julian Baggini, WSJ, "‘Aristotle’s Way’ Review: Philosophize and Flourish," 15 Feb. 2019 Never feeling fear is dangerous, but as this emerging body of research suggests, modulating the action of the amygdala may offer a way to control responses to threats and fearful experiences. — Rowan Hooper, WSJ, "The Biology of Bravery—and Fear," 19 Oct. 2018 The dish’s intensity is modulated by chrysanthemum leaves strewn over the top; a puree of red bell pepper and sections of blood orange add a touch of sweetness and acidity. — Michael Bauer, San Francisco Chronicle, "Mister Jiu’s fulfills its vision with 3½ stars," 11 Apr. 2018 Aeva uses a different approach, known as frequency modulated continuous wave lidar. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Two Apple veterans built a new lidar sensor—here’s how it works," 2 Oct. 2018 So much so that in April of 2018, the city instituted an all-out ban on Airbnb rentals in an attempt to modulate apartment rental prices for island habitués. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "Why Winter Is the Most Inspiring Time to Visit Majorca," 25 Dec. 2018 This arm motion is modulated continuously on a millisecond scale by regulating hundreds of small clusters of muscle fibers individually to determine how fast the arm moves and with what force. — R. Douglas Fields, Scientific American, "Wristband Lets the Brain Control a Computer with a Thought and a Twitch," 27 Mar. 2018 Although the performance sparked outrage in the Brookhaven community, officials last week modulated their tone, saying Forest Hill’s students shouldn’t be punished for following the direction of their band director. — Jeff Amy, The Seattle Times, "Sanctions upheld against band after questionable program," 23 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'modulate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.