Sorry to Hear That – Meaning, Origin and Usage
‘Sorry to hear that’ is a very common phrase in everyday conversations, and you’ll often hear it on TV dramas and in films as well.
If you’ve ever wondered if you fully understand the meaning of the term then you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to cover what the phrase means, how it originated, how and when to use the phrase, and some alternative phrases that you could use in its place. (Please feel free to skip ahead to the conclusion if you prefer.)
And without further ado, let’s get straight to it.
What is the meaning of the phrase ‘sorry to hear that’?
The phrase ‘sorry to hear that’ is basically just another way of saying ‘sorry’. The phrase is often used when something particularly negative has happened to the person you are speaking with, such as the passing of their pet, or a car accident, or the failure of a very important project at work, and so on.
What is the origin of the phrase ‘sorry to hear that’?
It’s hard to determine exactly when the phrase ‘sorry to hear that’ came into the English language, but I have found some info on the origin of the word ‘sorry’. The word ‘sorry’ is derived from the Old English word ‘sarig’ which means ‘full of sorrow’.
People began using the word ‘sorry’ as a way to apologise in 1834, but the phrase ‘sorry about that’, the closest phrase to ‘sorry to hear that’, didn’t become popularised until the 1960s, thanks to the American game show ‘Get Smart’.
How and when to use the phrase ‘sorry to hear that’’
‘Sorry to hear that’ is a formal phrase, and you can use it with friends and family, acquaintances, and even strangers, either online or in person.
That said however, because it’s such a standard phrase, it is often seen as inauthentic, and it can be seen as not truly conveying any real empathy.
This is perhaps why some people choose to use the word sarcastically. For example, if someone complains that they spilled coffee on their outfit, you could respond sarcastically with ‘sorry to hear that’.
It’s a useful phrase to know when you should be expressing feeling sorry for somebody, and it’s a handy phrase to have at hand when you don’t know what else to say.
If you want to express genuine sorrow for someone, it’s best to speak more than just this phrase alone, in order to demonstrate that you are listening and that you do empathise.
Here are some examples of the phrase in use:
Person 1: I can’t get my head around losing my job. The company just told me today. I thought the company’s downsizing was just a rumour.
Person 2: I’m sorry to hear that. It sounds like it came as quite a shock. Have you had the chance to tell your partner yet?
Person 1: My tabby cat died yesterday. I’m bereft.
Person 2: I’m sorry to hear that. It must be hard for you. Have you had it for a long time?
Person 1: I’m so gutted. The merger didn’t go through today like it was supposed to. I don’t know what I’m going to do.
Person 2: I’m so sorry to hear that. Are there any temporary measures you could put in place until the delay is over?
Person 1: Sheila has packed her bags and moved back to her mum’s. We’ve been living together for 4 years. What am I supposed to do now?
Person 2: I’m sorry to hear that mate. I’m sure you’ll find someone else one day.
What you can say in place of ‘sorry to hear that’
There are several phrases you can use in place of ‘sorry to hear that’. But as for which would be the best phrase to use depends heavily on the context in which you’d consider using it.
For instance, if you are speaking with someone who is recently bereaved, you might say something along the lines of “I’m so sorry, it must be so hard for you. Remember I’m here if you need anything”.
Alternatively, if you want to say something along the lines of a sarcastic ‘sorry to hear that’, you could simply say ‘big deal’.
Final thoughts
So, to sum up, the phrase ‘sorry to hear that’ is a literal phrase used to mean that you feel sorry for something someone has or is going through. It’s a handy phrase to have at hand when you don’t know what else you can say.
But, please bear in mind that sometimes people find the phrase insincere or even sarcastic, so be sure to read the room before speaking and choose the most appropriate way to demonstrate empathy without causing anyone any offence.
