The abbreviation "i.e." stands for the Latin phrase "id est," which translates to "that is" in English. It is used to clarify or specify a statement by providing additional information or examples. For instance, if someone says, "I enjoy outdoor activities, i.e., hiking and biking," they are specifying what they mean by outdoor activities. When using "i.e.," it is important to follow it with a clear explanation or list. This helps the reader understand the context better. It is often confused with "e.g.," which means "for example," but "i.e." is more definitive in its clarification.