08:34 Jun 10, 2011 

I consider paying respects as something you do, but without making much contact with the object of respect. It may not be possible, but it may consist of a handshake and a few polite remarks.

It is a formal kind of visit or meeting, a reception perhaps. "We paid our respects, but there was no time to talk."

I have recently visited Uppsala in Sweden and wrote on a postcard that I had paid my respects to famous Swedes there - Carl von Linne, Anders Celcius and Dag Hammarskjold among others, by visiting monuments. All long dead, but still worthy of respect.

At a funeral recently I did not actually know the deceased, although I paid my respects. I went to express my sympathy with his relatives, whom I do know. (My husband hates the expression with condolences!)

13:47 Jun 9, 2011 

Yes, in that way "respects to the deceased" are often described as "final respects to the deceased," as, sadly, it is the last opportunity to do so. One can pay one's respects to the deceased person's family and friends in this context, which is what I believe Mike wanted to say. "Express condolences" is the specific motive for speaking to family members during visiting hours at a funeral parlour or at a funeral.

13:41 Jun 9, 2011 

I would use this in a specific context. For example, if you return to your home town, or village (in many cultures), correct behaviour would be to go and pay your respects to one's elders in the community. You visit the person (people), and upon arrival state, "I have just come to pay my respects to your grandmother (or whomeover)". A courtesy call, in other words. Woe betide if you do not! :)