Which scenario correctly describes how the NOT operator can be used?

The NOT operator is used in search queries to exclude specific words or phrases from the results. In the context of search functionality, if you employ the NOT operator followed by a term, the search will return results that do not contain that term. This is particularly useful when you want to narrow down your results by filtering out unwanted information.

For example, if you were searching for "apple NOT fruit," the search would return documents that contain the word "apple" but do not include the term "fruit." This enhances the specificity of your search results and allows for a more targeted and effective search process.

The other options do not accurately represent the functionality of the NOT operator, emphasizing its role in Boolean logic specifically designed for refining search parameters.