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Bridging the gap between keyword and semantic search with SPLADE (2024)

Learn how to combine the best of keyword and semantic search using SPLADE - a powerful technique that delivers more accurate, transparent, and efficient search results. This practical guide shows you how to implement SPLADE in Elasticsearch to dramatically improve your search capabilities.

NameTrue IdentityDescriptionSuperpowersSpider-ManPeter ParkerA high school student bitten by a radioactive spiderWeb-slinging, superhuman strength, spider-senseHindsight LadCarlton LaFroygeA teenager with the ability to analyze past events and point out mistakesRetroactive clairvoyance, tactical analysis of past eventsBatmanBruce WayneA billionaire industrialist and philanthropistGenius-level intellect, master detective, peak human physical conditionArm-Fall-Off BoyFloyd BelkinA superhero with the ability to detach his armsDetachable arms, using detached arms as weapons (yes... another real character! )SupermanClark KentAn alien from the planet KryptonFlight, super strength, heat vision, invulnerabilityTo demonstrate the semantic mismatch problem, I've also generated alternative descriptions that convey the same meaning but use almost no common words: NameAlternate DescriptionSpider-ManAn adolescent scholar affected by an irradiated arachnidHindsight LadA young critic gifted with retrospective wisdomBatmanA wealthy entrepreneur and humanitarianArm-Fall-Off BoyA costumed vigilante capable of limb separationSupermanAn extraterrestrial being from a distant celestial bodyOur curated list has just 50 heroes, so querying with alternate descriptions might work well for semantic search, but traditional information retrieval will likely struggle.

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