What does modulated mean?
Modulated means varied or controlled in a deliberate, often continuous way. It is especially common in discussions of voices, sounds, electrical signals, light, and other wave-based phenomena. A modulated voice shifts in pitch, loudness, or intensity to convey emphasis, mood, or intelligibility, while a modulated signal varies in strength or frequency so that it can carry information. The word also has a general sense of adjustment to changing conditions, although that usage is more formal than straightforward terms such as “adjusted” or “controlled.” As the past tense and third-person singular form of “modulate,” it describes the act of making such variation. The term is valuable in technical contexts because it distinguishes controlled or patterned variation from a simple increase or decrease in strength.
Having had its pitch, strength, frequency, or other characteristic varied or controlled.
"A modulated laser beam carried the signal to the distant receiver."
Most common in technical language and in descriptions of voices or tones.
To vary or regulate the pitch, strength, frequency, or other characteristic of something, especially a sound, signal, or light.
"The controller modulates the transmitter’s output in response to changing conditions."
This is the past tense and third-person singular present form of “modulate.”
From the Latin for “small measure,” modulation turns a steady signal into one that carries information through controlled variation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does modulated come from?
The word comes from Latin modulatus, the past participle of modulari, meaning “to measure” or “to modulate.” That verb was derived from modulus, a diminutive of modus, meaning “measure.” The development led to English words including “modulate,” “modulation,” “module,” and “modular,” all sharing a root concerned with measurement and proportion.
Related word forms
How modulated is actually used
The word is formal and technical, though “modulated voice” and “modulated tone” are also familiar in descriptions of speech and music. In general use it can imply subtle, controlled variation rather than abrupt change.
Easily confused with modulated
Modulation usually involves varying a quality or characteristic according to a controlling process, whereas moderation more often means reducing intensity or keeping something within acceptable limits.