Definition of rapport
: a friendly, harmonious relationship; especially : a relationship characterized by agreement, mutual understanding, or empathy that makes communication possible or easy
From the M-W Editors
rapport was our Word of the Day on 08/15/2014. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
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
-
And the couple’s fulfilled affection for each other, tinged with melancholy and World War I veteran Wimsey’s keen sense of mortality, is captured in the sweet rapport between Moore and Alyson Scadron Branner’s fond, graceful Harriet.
-
Business leaders no longer seem to fear Trump’s tweets; foreign leaders have moved from attempts to find rapport to direct confrontation.
-
Kamara is also learning the work doesn’t end at practice in building a rapport with Brees.
-
There is no such rapport between the flamboyant Mr. Trump and the brainy, button-down Ms. Merkel.
-
The French official described an amiable rapport that the two leaders have swiftly struck.
-
The catch earned him a congratulatory pat from Smith and was the latest example of Perriman's improving rapport with Flacco after the two weren't often on the same page last season.
-
One enduring problem is that the entertainment industry works through creative relationships that run on trust and rapport.
-
Why aren't computer cops in much, much better rapport with the computer community through computer networks?
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
RAPPORT Defined for English Language Learners
RAPPORT Defined for Kids
Medical Dictionary
rapport
playMedical Definition of rapport
: harmonious accord or relation that fosters cooperation, communication, or trust rapport between a patient and psychotherapist
Learn More about rapport
-
See words that rhyme with rapport Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rapport Spanish Central: Translation of rapport Nglish: Translation of rapport for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of rapport for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up rapport? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!