Term
Semantic Search (ˈsɛmæntɪk sɜːʧ)
Definition
Semantic Search is a search function that uses artificial intelligence to understand and match the meaning of your search queries, rather than just focusing on the keywords. It provides more relevant and accurate search results by capturing the context and intent behind the words you're looking for.
Where you’ll find it
Semantic Search is typically integrated into AI-powered search engines or applications, especially those dealing with large data sets or requiring nuanced search capabilities. This feature is usually available across all modern AI platforms.
Common use cases
- Finding documents or content that match the intent of your query, not just the exact words.
- Enhancing research by allowing for broader, context-based search terms.
- Improving user experience by reducing the time spent on finding the right information among vast online content.
Things to watch out for
- Users might get unexpected results if the semantic understanding of the query does not align with their actual intent.
- Depending on the sophistication of the AI, some nuanced queries might still miss relevant results.
- Continuous updates may be necessary to keep the semantic interpretations in line with current language use and trends.
Related terms
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- AI Vector Analysis
- Contextual Search
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)