# Perplexity

> An AI answer engine: it searches the web in real time and answers with citations, so you can check where each claim came from.

**Category:** Tools

**Perplexity is an AI answer engine.** Instead of leaning on trained memory, it searches the web as you ask and replies with **cited sources** you can click. That makes it strong for research and current questions.

It is built around trust-but-verify: the citations are the point. For drafting, reasoning, or long documents, a general assistant like [Claude](/glossary#claude) usually goes further. Different tools, different jobs.

## At work

Checking a fast-moving fact before a meeting? Perplexity's cited answers let you jump straight to the source and confirm it.

## Often confused with

A general chatbot. Perplexity is tuned for cited web answers; it is less of an all-round drafting and reasoning assistant.

## Related terms

- Web search
- Claude
- Generative AI

## See it in a lesson

[The tool landscape](/en/learn/foundations/the-tool-landscape)

## Further reading

- [Perplexity AI (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perplexity_AI): A well-sourced overview of the company and product.
- [Perplexity](https://www.perplexity.ai): The answer engine itself.
- [Large language model (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_language_model): Background on the models behind the answers.

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Last updated: 24/07/2026  
Source: Rollo Academy glossary