Glossary · Retrieval & generation

Grounding

Connecting a generated answer or action to evidence, state, or observations that the system can identify and check.

Why it matters

Grounding gives the system a basis beyond unconstrained generation and makes unsupported claims easier to detect.

In practice

Retrieve a policy section, require the answer to cite it, and reject claims that the cited passage does not support.

Common confusion

Adding documents to a prompt creates an opportunity for grounding. It does not guarantee the model will use them correctly.

Related terms

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