demodulate
/ˌdiːˈmɒd.jə.leɪt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To remove the modulation from a radio or digital signal so the original information can be read or heard. It is the opposite of modulate.
- The receiver demodulates the signal automatically.
- This chip can demodulate weak radio waves.
- The software demodulates the audio stream.
Adinary Nuance
Demodulate is a technical word used in electronics, radio, and telecommunications. It is not the same as decode: decode means to interpret a coded message, while demodulate means to recover information from a modulated signal. Writers choose demodulate when they mean the signal-processing step itself.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- giải điều chế
- Spanish
- desmodular
- Chinese
- 解调
- Japanese
- 復調する
- Korean
- 복조하다
Etymology
Demodulate was formed in modern technical English from de- meaning “remove” and modulate. It became common in electronics and telecommunications in the 20th century.
Common phrases
demodulate a signaldemodulate radio wavesdemodulate the carrier
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is demodulate a common everyday word?
- No. It is mainly used in engineering, radio, and computer networking.
- What is the difference between modulate and demodulate?
- Modulate puts information onto a signal. Demodulate removes it again.
- Can I use demodulate in business writing?
- Only if you are writing about technical systems, devices, or communications.
- Is demodulate the same as decode?
- Not exactly. Decode means to understand a code, while demodulate means to separate signal information.