What does "query intent" refer to?

Query intent refers to the underlying motivation or purpose behind a user's search query, which can vary widely from seeking specific information, navigating to a particular website, or fulfilling a transactional need, such as making a purchase. Understanding query intent is essential for search engines to deliver relevant and accurate results that align with what users are looking for.

This concept is crucial in search engine optimization and user experience design, as it helps ensure that users find what they need quickly and effectively. For example, a user entering a query with the intent to buy a product will require a different set of results compared to someone looking for general information on a topic.

The other options focus on aspects such as speed of results, technical specifications, or the volume of results, none of which directly address the fundamental purpose or reason behind what the user is searching for.