Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Modulation has 6 different meanings across 1 category:
a musical passage moving from one key to another
"The composer used subtle modulation to smoothly transition the piece from C major to G minor without disrupting its flow."
(electronics) the transmission of a signal by using it to vary a carrier wave; changing the carrier's amplitude or frequency or phase
"The radio station used frequency modulation to transmit its audio signal without interference."
rise and fall of the voice pitch
"The singer's skillful modulation made her ballad sound deeply emotional."
a manner of speaking in which the loudness or pitch or tone of the voice is modified
"The singer's modulation was so subtle that her audience barely noticed the shift from a whisper to a powerful belt."
the act of modifying or adjusting according to due measure and proportion (as with regard to artistic effect)
"The conductor praised the orchestra's modulation, noting how they adjusted their volume precisely to match the emotional arc of the piece."
The process of applying a signal to a carrier.
"The radio engineer adjusted the modulation to ensure the audio signal was clearly transmitted on the carrier wave."
In plain English: Modulation is changing from one key to another within a piece of music.
"The radio signal improved once she adjusted the frequency modulation to match her car's system."
Usage: In everyday contexts, modulation refers to changing the tone or style of speech or music rather than its technical definition in telecommunications. Use this word when describing how someone varies their voice for effect or how an artist shifts between different musical keys and moods.
The word entered English in the Late Middle Ages via French and originally referred to the rhythmic measure or inflection of tone. It ultimately derives from Latin modulātiō, which described both musical melody and the architectural calculation of measurements against a standard unit.