Is there any (even the most subtle) difference between the meaning (or connotation) of that is and i.e.?
I used to be convinced that they were synonyms, until an editor of a scientific journal changed all occurrences of i.e. into that is.
Meaning – How to Use ‘That is’ vs. ‘i.e.’ Correctly
meaning
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Best Answer
I use them interchangeably. kiamlaluno sees a distinction I'm not aware of; even in the specific examples he cites, I would use them interchangeably.
The actual term i.e. is an abbreviation of id est in Latin, which literally means "that is". In fact, when I see i.e., I cannot help but say "that is" in my head; this helps me distinguish it from e.g. (exempli gratia, by the way).
If the editor had it changed, it was probably because "that is" is a little clearer, perhaps to non-primarily English speakers.