modulate
UK: /ˈmɒdʒ.ə.leɪt/ | US: /ˈmɑː.dʒə.leɪt/
vt. to adjust or regulate the intensity, tone, or frequency of something
vt. to vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of a wave in communication
vi. to pass from one musical key to another
The word modulate originates from Latin modulatus, the past participle of modulari ("to measure, regulate, or play music rhythmically"). The root mod- reflects the idea of measured adjustment, which evolved into the modern sense of controlled variation—whether in sound (music), communication signals, or other systems. The suffix -ulate reinforces the action-oriented meaning, making it a technical yet versatile term.
The singer skillfully modulated her voice to convey emotion.
Engineers modulate radio waves to transmit data efficiently.
The piece modulates from a minor to a major key.
He learned to modulate his tone during debates.
Light can be modulated to carry optical signals.