rapport

noun rap·port \ ra-ˈpȯr , rə- \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

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

Volo said his client’s rapport with both world leaders puts him in a good position to attend the meeting.

— aric jenkins, Fortune, "Dennis Rodman May Join President Trump and Kim Jong Un in Singapore for Historic Summit," 7 June 2018
Boutella and Brown, as friendly rivals, share a particularly nice on-screen rapport.

— mike scott, NOLA.com, "'Hotel Artemis' movie review: Move over, 'John Wick'," 6 June 2018
The rapport that was there was incredibly goofy, friendly.

— sandra song, Teen Vogue, "Awkwafina on Ocean’s 8, Asian Tokenization, and K-Pop," 24 Jan. 2018
Craig — a muscular man with a Southern drawl and a friendly demeanor — is known to stop by local businesses to chat with the owners and build a friendly rapport with residents.

— martin e. comas, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Lake County chief deputy 'sick to my stomach' after breaking opponent's arm in friendly arm-wrestling match," 7 May 2018
The reporter's commitment to telling this story was evident, as was her rapport with Jay — and his family, friends and doctors — who gave her unprecedented access into a process still rare for many people.

— the oregonian/oregonlive, OregonLive.com, "Oregonian/OregonLive newsroom captures 5 'Best of the West' awards," 28 Apr. 2018
Another thing Pompeo has going for him is his rapport with United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley.

— nick wadhams, Bloomberg.com, "For Pompeo, Senate Confirmation Was the Easy Part," 27 Apr. 2018
The New York Times notes how France's Macron hopes to save the Iran deal with his rapport with Trump.

— NBC News, "First Read's Morning Clips: Raising Arizona," 24 Apr. 2018
But over the long term, Macron hopes his rapport with Trump will help mitigate some of their policy differences.

— angela charlton, The Seattle Times, "Why French globalist Macron is befriending nationalist Trump," 22 Apr. 2018

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

in the meaning defined above

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