What is…

Grounding

Tying a model's answer to real, provided sources — search results, documents, data — instead of memory.

A grounded answer is based on material the model was given in context and can point to. Web search in assistants, uploaded files, connected apps and RAG are all grounding techniques. It's the #1 defense against hallucination.

Prompt tip: "Answer only from the attached document. If it isn't in there, say so."

🧠 Test yourself

Which of these describes Grounding?

Related terms

RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)

Looking up relevant documents first, then having the model answer using them — grounded, current, citable.

Hallucination

When a model states something false — a fake quote, citation, or fact — with total confidence.

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