For what purpose is <small> tag used in HTML?

The primary purpose of the tag in HTML is to create small typographical content. This tag is typically used to indicate that the enclosed text is of lesser importance or to provide a side note, disclaimer, or fine print information in a visually smaller format. Utilizing the tag semantically signifies to both the browser and the user that the content within should be treated as less significant compared to the surrounding text, which enhances the accessibility and readability of the document.

While decreasing the font size might seem relevant, the tag itself does more than just reduce the size. It conveys a specific meaning about the importance of the content displayed, which is not captured by simply reducing font size. The tag does not pertain to creating background images or adding subtitles either, as those functions are served by different HTML elements.