Query
A query is the search phrase, keyword string, or natural language prompt that a user submits to a search engine or AI system to retrieve information. In generative AI systems, queries can be conversational, multi-turn, or task-oriented, requiring semantic interpretation rather than simple keyword matching.
Why It Matters
Every retrieval, ranking, and answer generation process begins with a query. Understanding how queries are interpreted determines whether your content is retrieved, ranked, and cited.
How It Works
AI systems convert queries into vector representations, analyze intent, and compare them against indexed content embeddings to retrieve semantically relevant passages before generating a response.
Use Cases
- Optimizing content for AI search systems
- Improving semantic alignment with user prompts
- Mapping conversational queries
- Enhancing retrieval accuracy
Best Practices
- Target natural language phrasing
- Align content with conversational patterns
- Structure answers around common query variations
- Optimize for semantic relevance, not just keywords
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an AI query different from a traditional search query? +
Do AI systems treat prompts as queries? +
Can optimizing for query patterns improve AI citations? +
Related Terms
See which queries surface your brand in AI search results
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