rapport

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noun rap·port \ ra-ˈpȯr , rə- \

Definition of rapport

:a friendly, harmonious relationship; especially :a relationship characterized by agreement, mutual understanding, or empathy that makes communication possible or easy

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Examples of rapport in a Sentence

Carter had some conventional assets. Although he was a southerner, he had an easy rapport with blacks and the early support of some key black leaders in his home state … —Jack W. Germond, Fat Man in a Middle Seat, 2002
The name "horse whisperer" appears to be an ancient one from the British Isles, given to people whose rapport with horses seemed almost mystical. —Paul Trachtman, Smithsonian, May 1998
… is said to have established an unusual rapport with the Afghan officers through demonstrating his respect for their traditions and way of life. —Carey Schofield, The Russian Elite, 1993
Moreover, I shall … be arguing that the strength of even the more formal Southern writers stems from their knowledge of and rapport with the language spoken by the unlettered. —Cleanth Brooks, The Language of the American South, 1985
He quickly developed a good rapport with the other teachers.
She works hard to build rapport with her patients.
There is a lack of rapport between the members of the group.

Recent Examples of rapport from the Web

Center officials watched Gunn quickly build a rapport with newcomers with his rare mix of acerbic wit and blunt honesty, eased by empathy.

— beth warren, The Courier-Journal, "‘I was scared to get sober': He dealt heroin, now he's been clean six years," 24 Aug. 2017
A position that the school’s principal, Marty Mills, was happy to promote him to, considering the good rapport Outland had already established with students.

— Southern Living, "This Kentucky Man Went from High School Janitor to Teacher," 22 Aug. 2017
In classic Hughes fashion, the screwball rapport between Steve Martin and John Candy drives the movie, and there's a lot of heart and (non-dad-joke) humor to go around.

— lori keong, Marie Claire, "8 Non-Corny Thanksgiving Movies to Cue Up This Year," 17 Aug. 2017
The 22-year-old is only focused on what’s ahead, namely trying to get a firm grasp of the intricacies of offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s playbook and developing a rapport with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

— will graves, The Seattle Times, "Cancer behind him, Conner just another rookie with Steelers," 28 July 2017
Kayla, the South African party host, has developed a friendly rapport with many of Desire Pearl's regulars.

— davy rothbart, GQ, "Inside the Clothing-Optional Resort of Your Swinging Dreams," 18 July 2017
He and Mr. Kerry developed a close rapport, even if it was often punctuated by shouting matches.

— david e. sanger and rick gladstone, New York Times, "As Relations Worsen, Iran Says U.S. Sanctions May Violate Nuclear Deal," 18 July 2017
The key to creating a community at the shop, Hussain said, is offering a variety of menu items, creating rapport, and having employees who care.

— special to al.com, AL.com, "Angel's Island Coffee celebrates decade of business amid South Parkway construction," 16 July 2017
But his greatest achievement here is capturing the emotional rapport between Underhill and the Lady May, his feline partner for this mission.

— jim higgins, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee native Cordwainer Smith a surprising voice in science fiction," 8 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rapport.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

Report comes from the French verb reporter and rapport comes from the French rapporter. Both verbs mean "to bring back" and can be traced back to the Latin verb portare, meaning "to carry." Rapporter also has the additional sense of "to report," which influenced the original English meaning of rapport ("an act or instance of reporting"). That sense of rapport dropped out of regular use by the end of the 19th century.

Origin and Etymology of rapport

French, from rapporter to bring back, refer, from Old French raporter to bring back, from re- + aporter to bring, from Latin apportare, from ad- ad- + portare to carry — more at fare

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1660

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