Glossary
Generative Engine
An AI system that generates answers (rather than retrieving them), typically powered by an LLM.
Definition
The "generative" half of GEO refers to the fact that these engines produce new text in response to queries, rather than serving up pre-existing pages. From an SEO mindset, this is the fundamental shift: you're not optimizing for a slot on a results page, you're optimizing for inclusion in newly written prose.
Example
When you ask Claude "what are the top three project management tools?", the answer didn't exist anywhere before: Claude generated it from its training plus any retrieved sources.
Related terms
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
The practice of optimizing your brand and content to be cited, recommended, and described favorably by generative AI engines.
AI Engine
A general term for the AI assistants and answer products that synthesize responses from multiple sources: ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, Grok, Google AI Overviews and Google AI Mode.
Large Language Model (LLM)
The underlying AI model that powers AI engines: examples include GPT-5.6, Gemini 3.8, Claude Sonnet 5.5, and Grok 4.7.
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