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Modulate: meaning, definitions and examples

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modulate

 

[ˈmɒd.jʊ.leɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sound

To vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of a carrier wave in accordance with a signal.

Synonyms

adjust, alter, control.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
modulate

Used when talking about changing the strength, tone, or pitch of something, especially in music or signals.

  • She modulated her voice to be more soothing.
  • The radio modulated the frequency to find the station.
adjust

Used when making small changes to something to make it better or more accurate.

  • He adjusted his tie before the meeting.
  • You can adjust the temperature using this knob.
control

Used when exerting power or authority over something or someone to direct their actions or functions.

  • The manager controls the team's tasks.
  • He used the remote to control the TV.
alter

Used when making noticeable changes to something, often in appearance or characteristics.

  • She altered the dress to fit better.
  • We need to alter our plans due to the weather.

Examples of usage

  • The radio waves are modulated to carry the audio signal.
  • The modulated signal can then be demodulated to retrieve the original information.
Context #2 | Verb

music

To vary the pitch, volume, or tone of a musical instrument or voice.

Synonyms

adjust, shift, vary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
modulate

Typically used in technical or musical contexts to describe changes in frequency, tone, or signal.

  • The engineer needs to modulate the radio signal to ensure clear communication.
  • The singer knows how to modulate her voice to hit different notes perfectly.
adjust

Used in everyday situations when making minor changes to fit or improve something.

  • Can you adjust the chair height for me?
  • He adjusted his tie before the meeting.
vary

Used when talking about changes that happen continuously or over a range, often in statistics or general descriptions.

  • The weather can vary greatly from one day to the next.
  • Prices vary depending on the season.
shift

Often refers to a change in position, direction, or focus. It can also imply a slight movement.

  • She decided to shift her career focus from marketing to technology.
  • The workers need to shift the boxes to the other side of the room.

Examples of usage

  • She modulated her voice to create a dramatic effect in the song.
  • The musician modulates the volume of the guitar during the performance.
Context #3 | Verb

data transmission

To alter the carrier signal in order to transmit digital data.

Synonyms

convert, encode, transform.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
modulate

The term 'modulate' has been repeated in the input. The description and examples provided previously still apply.

  • Previously listed
encode

Used in the context of data processing and communication. It refers to the process of converting information into a different form, often to protect or compress it. Commonly seen in computing and cryptography.

  • The software can encode the text into a binary format
  • You need to encode the password before sending it
convert

Used in everyday language to describe changing something from one form, system, or purpose to another. It can be used in various fields including technology, religion, and currency.

  • They needed to convert the document from PDF to Word format
  • She decided to convert to a different religion
transform

A general term used to describe a complete or significant change in form, appearance, or character. It can be applied in various contexts like mathematics, personal growth, and technology.

  • The caterpillar will transform into a butterfly
  • The company needs to transform its business model to adapt to the new market

Examples of usage

  • The modem modulates the digital data into analog signals for transmission.
  • The computer modulates the data before sending it over the network.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'modulari', which means 'to measure' or 'to control'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 16th century, originally referring to musical scales.

Science

  • In biology, modulation refers to the changes in the intensity of signals, which can affect how organisms respond to their environment.
  • In telecommunications, modulation is a technique used to encode data onto a carrier wave to transmit it across distances.

Music

  • In music, to modulate means to change from one key to another within a piece, adding variety and interest.
  • Composers often use modulation to create emotional shifts in their music, moving from a happy tune to a more somber one.

Psychology

  • In psychological contexts, modulation can refer to adjusting emotions or behaviors in response to different social situations.
  • Therapists often encourage clients to modulate their responses when dealing with stress or anxiety.

Technology

  • Voice modulation technologies are used in devices like virtual assistants, enabling them to adjust their tone and pitch for better communication.
  • Modulation techniques are essential in radio and television broadcasting, ensuring clear transmission of signals.

Translations

Translations of the word "modulate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 modular

🇮🇳 मॉड्यूलेट करें

🇩🇪 modulieren

🇮🇩 modulasi

🇺🇦 модулювати

🇵🇱 modulować

🇯🇵 変調する

🇫🇷 moduler

🇪🇸 modular

🇹🇷 modüle etmek

🇰🇷 변조하다

🇸🇦 يضبط

🇨🇿 modulovat

🇸🇰 modulovať

🇨🇳 调制

🇸🇮 modulirati

🇮🇸 stilla

🇰🇿 модуляциялау

🇬🇪 მოდულაცია

🇦🇿 modulyasiya etmək

🇲🇽 modular

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,411, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.