AI & AEO

Generative Search

Quick Definition

Generative search uses large language models to compose answers from multiple sources rather than simply linking to ranking pages.

In context

Examples: ChatGPT search, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, Bing Copilot. Generative search is reshaping how users interact with search results and how content needs to be structured for visibility.

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Related terms

llms.txt

llms.txt is a proposed plain-text file at the root of a domain (similar to robots.txt) that describes the site to large language models with markdown-formatted high-priority links.

Synthesized Answer

A synthesized answer is the unified response an AI engine produces by combining information from multiple cited sources into a single coherent reply.

Content Attribution in AI

Content attribution in AI refers to whether AI-generated answers properly credit the original sources of information.

Semantic Chunking

Semantic chunking is how AI retrieval systems break long content into smaller, semantically coherent passages that can be retrieved and cited independently.

AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)

AEO is the practice of optimizing content to be cited in AI-generated answers from ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Perplexity, and other generative search engines.

Model Routing (AI Search)

Model routing is the technique used by AI search systems to dynamically choose which underlying model handles a given query — favouring smaller / faster models for simple queries and larger models for complex synthesis.

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