Temperature
Definition A setting that controls how predictable or varied an AI model's output is. Low temperature makes responses more consistent and conservative; high temperature makes them more varied and creative.
In more depth
Technically, temperature reshapes the probability distribution the model samples from when choosing each next token. At low settings the model nearly always picks the most likely continuation, which suits drafting and analysis; higher settings encourage variety, which suits brainstorming. Temperature affects variability, not truthfulness—a model at the lowest setting can still hallucinate.
Related terms
Educational information, not legal advice. AI terminology and tools change quickly; definitions reflect usage as of the last-updated date. For what bar associations and courts actually require of lawyers using AI, see legalaicompliance.help and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.