modulate
Shift pitch gradually
To modulate is to adjust or regulate something, often in subtle degrees.
A speaker modulates their voice—varying pitch, volume, or tone for effect.
In music and electronics, to modulate is to shift from one key to another or to vary a signal's properties: The DJ modulated the bass frequency.
The word suggests controlled, gradual adjustment rather than abrupt change: She modulated her criticism to avoid sounding harsh.
Adjust for accuracy
- fine-tuneAdjust for optimal performance
- tweakMinor adjustment
- alterMake a modification
- regulateControl by rules
vary · shift · attenuate · amplify · temper · dampen · intensify · soften
State of mind
- softenMake less firm
- calmFree from agitation
- sootheGently ease discomfort
- restrainLimit freedom of movement
contain · regulate · control · ease · diffuse · mitigate · manage · check
Hereditary information unit
- proteinFolded amino chain
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- enzymeProtein that hastens reactions
- hormoneBody's chemical messenger
neurotransmitter · expression · pathway · signal · regulate · inhibit · activate · transcription
Rate of recurrence
- amplitudeMaximum oscillation displacement
- carrierOne that transports
- waveformGraphed oscillation pattern
- bandwidthData transmission capacity
FM · AM · phase · oscillate · transmit · encode · decode · sine
inflect
Vary pitch or form
soften · vary · project · temper · lilt · cadence · emphasis · stress · accent · enunciate
calibrate
Adjust for accuracy
regulate · vary · shift · attenuate · amplify · temper · dampen · intensify · soften · control
temper
State of mind
restrain · contain · regulate · control · ease · diffuse · mitigate · manage · check · curb
gene
Hereditary information unit
hormone · neurotransmitter · expression · pathway · signal · regulate · inhibit · activate · transcription · cellular
frequency
Rate of recurrence
- amplitudeMaximum oscillation displacement
- carrierOne that transports
- waveformGraphed oscillation pattern
bandwidth · FM · AM · phase · oscillate · transmit · encode · decode · sine · pulse
filter
Porous separation device
chorus · delay · distortion · overdrive · phaser · flanger · harmonizer · tremolo · vibrato · wah
key
Lock-opening device
crescendo · decrescendo · swell · fade · attack · sustain · release · expression · phrasing · articulation
- adjustmentsadjustment, tweaks, adjust, shifts, fixes
- vocalizationsspeak, speaking, talking, whisper, shout
- softensoften, dampen, mute, muffle, tone down
- intensity changesincrease, decrease, intensify, amplify, diminish
- lightsunlight, daylight, shine, rays, moonlight
- testingtest, unit testing, product testing, examine, check
- frequency modulationEncoding via wave pitch
- voice modulationVarying pitch and tone
- voice modulatorDevice altering vocal output
- amplitude modulationCarrier intensity conveys information
modulation, modulated, modulating, modulator, modulates, modulations, unmodulated, modulators, demodulator