rapport

noun

rap·​port ra-ˈpȯr How to pronounce rapport (audio)
rə-
plural rapports
: a friendly, harmonious relationship
especially : a relationship characterized by agreement, mutual understanding, or empathy that makes communication possible or easy

Did you know?

The word rapport bears a resemblance to a more common English word, report, which is no coincidence: both words come ultimately from the Latin verb portare, meaning "to carry," and both traveled through French words meaning "to bring back" on their way to English. Report has been in use since the 14th century, when it entered Middle English by way of Anglo-French. Rapport was first used in the mid-15th century as a synonym of report in its "account or statement" meaning, but that meaning had become obsolete by the mid-19th century. It wasn't until the early 20th century that English speakers borrowed rapport back from French in the meaning of "a friendly, harmonious relationship." We're happy to report that rapport has since flourished, and we trust this friendly word will stick around a while.

Examples of rapport in a Sentence

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 on the Web The orchestra made a fabulous partner to Trifonov, their buoyant rapport flush with a nearly flirtatious intimacy. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 Building a rapport with interviewers and fellow candidates can help alleviate initial anxiety and create a positive impression. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 Binoche has done interviews with Magimel since the movie’s debut, their affectionate, spiky rapport very much apparent. Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2024 Fortes built a strong rapport with Jesus Luzardo and Braxton Garrett last season. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 Well, podcasts are a great way to build that all-important rapport. Adam Coffey, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Imagine if people developed similar rapport elsewhere in their community, says Ms. O’Dwyer of Neighbourly Lab. Lenora Chu, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Feb. 2024 Smith-Cameron and Culkin have never been shy about their playful rapport. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 25 Jan. 2024 His rapport with DeBoer is obvious; so is his ability to run the entire gamut of DeBoer's pass-heavy playbook. Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rapport.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapport was in 1923

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near rapport

Cite this Entry

“Rapport.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapport. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rapport

noun
rap·​port ra-ˈpō(ə)r How to pronounce rapport (audio)
-ˈpȯ(ə)r
: a friendly relationship

Medical Definition

rapport

noun
rap·​port ra-ˈpȯ(ə)r, rə- How to pronounce rapport (audio)
: harmonious accord or relation that fosters cooperation, communication, or trust
rapport between a patient and psychotherapist

More from Merriam-Webster on rapport

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