Source grounding
Source grounding is the practice of tying an AI’s answer directly to specific pieces of retrieved content, so the response is supported by — and traceable back to — real sources rather than the model’s memory.
How it works
A grounded answer is one where you can point to the exact passage that supports each claim. This makes responses verifiable and dramatically reduces the chance of fabrication.
Showing citations alongside an answer is the visible form of grounding: it lets a reader click through and confirm the answer against the original source.
How SiteMind uses it
Every SiteMind answer is grounded in retrieved passages from your content and comes with clickable citations to the exact source pages, so visitors and your team can verify any answer in one click.
Related terms
AI hallucination
An AI hallucination is when a model states something false or made-up as if it were true — a serious risk for any customer-facing chatbot.
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) is a method where an AI looks up relevant information from a trusted source before answering, so its replies are grounded in facts instead of guesses.
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of making your content easy for AI systems to find, understand, trust, and cite when they answer questions.
Put this to work on your site
Free 3-day trial, no card required.