What is a common use of the :hover pseudo-class in CSS?

The :hover pseudo-class is commonly used in CSS to apply styles to an element when the mouse pointer is positioned over it. This provides an interactive experience for users, allowing for visual feedback that something can be clicked or is active. For instance, a button might change color, become bold, or have a different background when hovered over, which can enhance usability and aesthetic appeal.

This functionality is particularly valuable in web design to indicate actionable items and improve user engagement. Rather than modifying the element itself or changing its type or visibility, the :hover pseudo-class focuses purely on the contextual styling based on user interaction, making it distinct from the other options provided.