The <cite> tag in HTML is used to reference the title of a work or a source, such as books, movies, articles, or other creative works. It helps provide context by indicating that the enclosed text is a reference to a specific work. This tag is useful for improving the semantic meaning of the content and is often used in conjunction with citations and references.

Syntax:

<p>The theory was first proposed by <cite>Charles Darwin</cite> in his book <cite>On the Origin of Species</cite>.</p>

Key Characteristics:

1. Semantic Meaning: The <cite> tag is used to identify the title of a work, which provides semantic meaning to the text it encloses. It helps both users and search engines understand that the enclosed text is a reference to a specific title.

2. Default Styling: By default, most browsers render the text inside the <cite> tag in italics. This visual distinction helps users identify titles or references. However, this styling can be overridden with CSS if needed.

3. Not for General Citations: The <cite> tag should be used specifically for titles of works or sources. It is not meant for general citations or references without titles. For general citation purposes, other tags or methods may be more appropriate.

Example Usage:

Referencing Titles of Works:

<p>In her article <cite>Climate Change and Its Impact</cite>, she discusses various environmental issues.</p>

In this example:

• The <cite> tag is used to reference the title of the article "Climate Change and Its Impact."

Within a Blockquote:

<blockquote>
  "To be or not to be, that is the question."
  <footer>— William Shakespeare, <cite>Hamlet</cite></footer>
</blockquote>

In this example:

• The <cite> tag is used to reference the title of Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" in a blockquote.

CSS Styling:

You can use CSS to change the default styling of the <cite> tag, such as removing italics or altering the font style.

Example CSS:

<style>
  cite {
    font-style: normal; /* Remove italics */
    font-weight: bold;  /* Make text bold */
  }
</style>

<p>Refer to <cite>The Great Gatsby</cite> for more information.</p>

Accessibility and SEO:

• Accessibility: Using the <cite> tag helps screen readers and other assistive technologies identify titles or references, improving accessibility for users who rely on these tools.
• SEO: While the <cite> tag itself does not directly impact SEO, providing clear and accurate references can improve the user experience and potentially enhance content relevance.