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AI Glossary

What is Grounding (AI)?

Connecting AI responses to verifiable facts and real-world data sources.

By Council Research TeamUpdated: Jan 27, 2026

Definition

Grounding refers to techniques that anchor AI responses to factual, verifiable information rather than relying solely on training data. This includes citing sources, connecting to databases, and using RAG to reduce hallucinations.

Examples

1Perplexity citing web sources
2AI referencing uploaded documents
3Using API data in responses

Why It Matters

Grounded AI is more trustworthy. Look for tools that cite sources and connect to real data.

Related Terms

RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)

Combining AI with real-time information retrieval from external knowledge bases.

AI Hallucination

When an AI generates false or fabricated information that sounds plausible.

Common Questions

What does Grounding (AI) mean in simple terms?

Connecting AI responses to verifiable facts and real-world data sources.

Why is Grounding (AI) important for AI users?

Grounded AI is more trustworthy. Look for tools that cite sources and connect to real data.

How does Grounding (AI) relate to AI chatbots like ChatGPT?

Grounding (AI) is a fundamental concept in how AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini work. For example: Perplexity citing web sources Understanding this helps you use AI tools more effectively.

Related Use Cases

Best AI for Research

Best AI for Business

AI Models Using This Concept

ClaudeClaudeChatGPTChatGPTGeminiGemini

See Grounding (AI) in Action

Council lets you compare responses from multiple AI models side-by-side. Experience different approaches to the same prompt instantly.

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