What is "semantic search"?

Semantic search refers to a search process that emphasizes understanding the context and intent behind a user's query, rather than relying solely on exact keyword matches. This approach enhances the relevance of search results by considering the meanings of words, the relationships between them, and the user’s search behavior.

By focusing on semantics, search engines can provide more accurate results that align closely with what users are actually looking for. For instance, if a user types "best places to eat near me," a semantic search engine goes beyond the individual words to comprehend that the user is seeking restaurant recommendations within a specific geographic area.

This contrasts with a method based strictly on keywords, which may return results that are relevant in terms of the words used but not necessarily in terms of user intent. By prioritizing context, semantic search significantly improves user experience and satisfaction with search results.