What is the purpose of the logical operator "or" in an online search?

The logical operator "or" is used in online searches to broaden the scope of the search results by allowing for a choice between different search terms. When you use "or," you indicate that you’re interested in results that contain at least one of the terms linked by this operator. This is particularly useful when searching for synonyms or related terms that represent the same concept, as it increases the likelihood of retrieving a wider array of relevant materials.

For example, if you search for "dogs or canines," the operator "or" will help you find documents that contain either "dogs" or "canines," thereby ensuring you are not limited to just one term. This capability enhances searching efficiency and effectiveness in finding diverse resources on the same topic.

In contrast, the other options focus on different functions or operators in search logic, such as excluding terms, prioritizing keywords, or grouping terms for varying concepts, which are not the primary function of "or."