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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
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.
Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025
The turning of the seasons, cycles of life, death, regeneration and ever-changing atmospheric conditions, have provided Kim with a subject of endless scrutiny and spiritual rapport.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Through repeat conversations, the two developed a disturbing rapport.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 June 2025
Importantly, Wilcox has also developed a firm rapport with his boss.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rapport
Cite this Entry
“Rapport.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapport. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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