AI buzzword dictionary

What is Generative AI?

AI that creates new content — text, images, audio, video or code — in response to an instruction.

What this actually means

Older AI mostly sorted or scored things. Generative AI produces something new: a draft email, a picture of a cat in a spacesuit, a summary of a report.

It builds its output from patterns learned during training. The result can be fluent and convincing while still containing mistakes.

Example

You type 'Write a polite reminder that an invoice is 14 days overdue' and receive a ready-to-edit email in seconds.

Where you may meet it

Chat assistants, image makers, 'help me write' buttons in email and office software, meeting-summary tools.

Related terms and lessons

Large language model (LLM)A type of AI trained on huge amounts of text to predict and generate language.PromptThe instruction or question you give an AI tool.HallucinationWhen an AI confidently produces information that is false or made up.Using AI to help write work emailsAI can save time on routine emails, but you remain responsible for what is sent. Use it for a first draft, then edit.How to spot AI scams and deepfakesScammers use AI to write convincing messages and imitate voices. A few habits protect you far better than trying to spot every fake.

Last reviewed: 25 September 2026