Why do we "extend" condolences? [closed]

Solution 1:

The verb to extend has a lot of meanings that one cannot guess from Latin ex and tendere. One of the meanings the verb has acquired is to offer. So you can extend (offer) credit/protection/money to someone or thanks/a welcome etc. -

I think this use of to extend is a bit stilted. "to offer condolences" would be much clearer. There is a danger to English words. Due to the millions of speakers who use English as second language the use of words can be extended like a chewing gum and finally you don't see what the real center of the word meaning was. Have a look at words like issue or feature - I call them chewing gum words.