Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of modifying or adjusting something according to due measure and proportion: This refers to the process of making controlled changes or adaptations, often to achieve a specific effect, such as in artistic expression.
   • A manner of speaking in which the loudness, pitch, or tone of the voice is modified: This describes the variation in one's voice to convey meaning, emotion, or emphasis.
   • The rise and fall of the voice pitch: Specifically refers to the pattern of intonation in speech.
   • (Electronics) The transmission of a signal by using it to vary a carrier wave: This is a technical process where a characteristic (amplitude, frequency, or phase) of a carrier wave is altered to encode information.
   • (Music) A musical passage moving from one key to another: This is the process of changing from one tonal center to another within a piece of music.

Examples of Usage

• General Adjustment:
  • The subtle modulation of light created a calming atmosphere in the room.
• Voice and Speech:
  • Her speech was captivating due to her excellent vocal modulation.
  • The modulation of his voice indicated a question.
• Electronics:
  • Frequency modulation (FM) is used in radio broadcasting.
• Music:
  • The composer used a clever modulation from C major to G major.

Advanced Usage

• "Modulation of affect" (Psychology): Refers to the regulation and expression of emotional response.
  • The patient showed poor affective modulation.
• "Pulse-code modulation" (Electronics): A specific digital scheme for representing analog signals.
  • Pulse-code modulation is the standard form for digital audio.

Variants and Related Words

• Modulate (verb): To exert a modifying or controlling influence on; to vary a property.
  • She learned to modulate her voice for the microphone.
• Modulator (noun): A device or entity that causes modulation.
  • The circuit contains an optical modulator.

Synonyms

• Adjustment: A small change made to achieve a desired fit or result.
• Inflection: A change in the form of a word or a change in pitch or tone of voice.
• Variation: A change or difference in condition, amount, or level.
• Transition (Music): The process of changing from one state or key to another.

Related Phrases

• Amplitude Modulation (AM): A modulation technique where the amplitude of the carrier wave is varied.
• Frequency Modulation (FM): A modulation technique where the frequency of the carrier wave is varied.
• Phase Modulation: A modulation technique where the phase of the carrier wave is varied.

Related Idioms

• "Modulate one's tone": To consciously change one's speaking voice, often to sound more polite or less aggressive.
  • You should modulate your tone when speaking to a client.

Noun

1. the act of modifying or adjusting according to due measure and proportion (as with regard to artistic effect)
2. a manner of speaking in which the loudness or pitch or tone of the voice is modified
3. rise and fall of the voice pitch
4. (electronics) the transmission of a signal by using it to vary a carrier wave; changing the carrier's amplitude or frequency or phase
5. a musical passage moving from one key to another