modulation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “modulation” mean?
The act of changing or adjusting something, especially the intensity, pitch, or tone of a sound, voice, or signal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of changing or adjusting something, especially the intensity, pitch, or tone of a sound, voice, or signal.
A change or adjustment in quality, degree, or process; also, in music, a change from one key to another; in physics/electronics, the variation of a waveform.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The term is used identically in technical contexts (e.g., electronics, music, linguistics).
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Slightly more common in formal/technical registers in both.
Frequency
Equally common in technical domains. In general discourse, relatively low frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “modulation” in a Sentence
modulation of [NOUN]modulation in [NOUN]modulation for [PURPOSE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “modulation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She learned to modulate her voice to sound more authoritative.
- The transmitter modulates the carrier wave.
American English
- He modulated his tone to avoid sounding confrontational.
- The system modulates the signal for clearer transmission.
adverb
British English
- He spoke slowly and modulatingly to emphasise each point. (rare)
- The pitch changed modulatingly throughout the piece.
American English
- She answered modulatingly, carefully controlling her tone. (rare)
- The frequency increased modulatingly.
adjective
British English
- The modulating signal was monitored closely.
- She has a highly modulated speaking voice.
American English
- The modulating circuit is faulty.
- His modulated response defused the tension.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in marketing regarding 'price modulation' or in management regarding 'modulation of workload'.
Academic
Common in scientific papers (physics, engineering, biology), linguistics (intonation), and music theory.
Everyday
Uncommon. Mostly used when discussing voice control, radio, or hi-fi equipment.
Technical
Core term in telecommunications (FM/AM), audio engineering, music, and neuroscience.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “modulation”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “modulation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “modulation”
- Using 'modification' interchangeably (modification is broader, often structural; modulation is specifically about gradational adjustment of a characteristic). Incorrect plural: 'modulations' is correct but rare.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Modulation is a specific type of change involving the controlled variation of a quality (like pitch, frequency, or intensity), often smoothly and within a system.
FM (Frequency Modulation) varies the frequency of the carrier wave, while AM (Amplitude Modulation) varies its amplitude (strength). FM is generally less prone to noise interference.
Yes. It is common in phrases like 'neuromodulation' (regulation of nerve activity) or 'immunomodulation' (adjustment of the immune response).
Practice reading aloud with conscious variation in pitch, pace, and volume. Record yourself to listen for monotony. Think of your voice as an instrument you are 'playing' with expression.
The act of changing or adjusting something, especially the intensity, pitch, or tone of a sound, voice, or signal.
Modulation is usually formal, technical in register.
Modulation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒdʒ.əˈleɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑː.dʒəˈleɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The modulation of his tone suggested he was being sarcastic.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DJ using a MODulation wheel to smoothly MODify the music's tone and pitch.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADJUSTMENT IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'modulating through various keys'), SOUND IS A FLUID (e.g., 'modulation of the vocal stream').
Practice
Quiz
In telecommunications, 'modulation' primarily refers to: