Lately, I have been exploring AI technologies and as a long time user of SQL queries with search by keywords, I find fascinating the relatively new concept of search by meaning.

“Search by meaning” can be described as a method for searching information based on more than simple keywords. It seems the intent and the context of a given search are the ones that determine the final results, rather than the fact that simple keywords are present. This means these days, AI-powered technology conducts web searches that comprehend and display results closer to the meaning a searcher intends.

A little more detail on the functionality of the service:

The search by meaning checks where the words in the search query are used, not giving results matching the exact words or phrases used in the search. This contributes to understanding semantics, the meanings and relationships between words that exist, and provides the user with results tending to be more related to what the user wants to be answered.

Parsing also includes the integration of NLP: Natural Language Processing algorithms which take part in understanding grammar and nuances in language, something very vital to understand the user’s intention.

Semantic Analysis: Understanding the meaning of words in concrete contexts of use, not taking into account more than synonyms and homonyms, but also considering connotations and generally associated ideas.

Improved Relevance: The search engines are now able to provide more accurate results that are context-appropriate, since they can understand the context through meaning, but not the just words. For example, if a user searches for “Apple,” they will get results on the technology company, assuming that the context is on technology and not on the fruit.

Search by meaning is already widely used in modern search engines to enhance user experience by making search results more relevant and finely tuned to the needs of the user. We are living in an exiting times of data search and the future is really promising and exciting for some of us working in the field and user that will take a huge advantage of this technology.

It’s really cool…. I look forward to see where this technology will take us. Stay tuned.