Predicate (CSI Action Verb)

A Predicate (CSI Action Verb) is the action verb that defines what action users want to perform with an entity in the Central Search Intent structure.

This action verb determines the expected response type and defines what users want to do with the entity. Predicates vary based on Source Context. For a water park: visit, buy tickets, explore attractions. For a manufacturer: buy products, choose, compare, maintain. In Semantic Role Labels, the predicate defines the core action that structures the entire semantic relationship. Precise predicates like 'regulates' or 'ensures' are easier for AI to parse than vague ones like 'is' or 'has'.

For example, a pool manufacturer's website and a water park's website share the same Central Entity ('pools') but have completely different predicates because their Source Context differs.

Effective CSI implementation typically involves defining 5–7 main predicates, with each article implementing exactly one predicate. This creates consistency across your entire site. Since predicates define user intent, they directly influence your content strategy — determining which attributes go into the CORE section versus OUTER in your Topical Map.