PromptScoutWhat is Contextual Relevance?
Contextual Relevance is the degree to which information matches a query within its broader context, including intent, constraints, and surrounding topics. Contextual Relevance goes beyond keyword overlap by accounting for meaning and situational needs.
Quick definition
Contextual Relevance means the answer fits what the user is actually trying to do in context.
How Contextual Relevance works
- Contextual Relevance depends on correctly interpreting query intent.
- Contextual Relevance can incorporate location, timeframe, constraints, and user goals when those signals exist.
- Contextual Relevance in retrieval can be improved with semantic search and entity understanding.
- Contextual Relevance in generation can be improved when sources contain clear, structured statements.
Why Contextual Relevance matters
Contextual Relevance matters because answer engines select sources that best match the full intent, not only the topic.
Contextual Relevance affects:
- answer ranking in AI search results
- whether a page is cited or attributed as a source
- user satisfaction in conversational search flows
Example use cases
- Writing a definition that includes scope and boundaries so the answer matches the intended meaning.
- Adding a “limitations” section so an AI system can avoid overgeneralizing.
- Separating informational and commercial query intent into different pages.