Semantic search
Semantic search retrieves text whose embedding is close to the query embedding. It can match related meaning even when the words differ.
Tiny example
Section titled “Tiny example”The query “I cannot log in” may retrieve a passage titled “Resetting an expired password.” The terms are different, but the meanings are related.
Where it struggles
Section titled “Where it struggles”Exact product codes, error numbers, names, dates, and uncommon acronyms may be better served by keyword search. Similar meaning can also retrieve a plausible but wrong procedure.
FDE note
Section titled “FDE note”Test with real user phrasing and real failure cases. For mixed corpora, compare semantic retrieval with hybrid search rather than assuming one method wins everywhere.