What do footnotes provide in a document?

Footnotes are used in documents to provide detailed explanations, clarifications, or additional information at the bottom of a page. This allows the main body of the text to remain concise and focused while still giving the reader access to supplementary material that enhances understanding. By placing this information in footnotes rather than the main text, authors can maintain a cleaner flow while giving readers the option to delve deeper into specific points without interrupting the reading experience. This functionality is particularly useful for citations, definitions, or context that might otherwise overwhelm the primary narrative if included directly within the text.