A large language model (LLM) is a type of artificial intelligence designed to generate human-like language and perform related tasks. These models are trained on massive datasets, often consisting of billions of words, allowing them to identify language patterns and rules. This learning process mirrors how humans acquire language by being exposed to it in context. LLMs are capable of various language tasks, including answering questions, summarizing text, translating languages, and generating content.
Examples of popular LLMs include ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, and Meta AI.
As language models evolve, many are becoming multimodal, meaning they can process and generate not just text but also other types of media (e.g., images, videos, and audio). These advanced models are now often referred to as foundation models, signifying their ability to handle a broad range of tasks and be adapted to various applications beyond just language.
Adapted from "FAQs about generative AI" by Nicole Hennig, University of Arizona Libraries. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
