rapport

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

The six-year quarterbacks coach (three years with Detroit, one with Buffalo and two with Oakland) was promoted to Musgrave’s post because of his rapport with Carr.

— andy benoit, SI.com, "What Oakland’s Offense Is Missing," 16 Oct. 2017
That progress reinforces the very purpose of ongoing advances in weather forecasting: People have a strong desire not to fear the environment but to live in rapport with it.

— The Christian Science Monitor, "Harvey’s lesson in weather forecasting," 30 Aug. 2017
The pair already had an indifferent rapport, after the youngster took to Instagram to display his discontent at Chelsea regarding game time last month.

— SI.com, "Belgian Starlet Charly Musonda Set to Leave Chelsea in January Over Lack of Opportunities," 3 Nov. 2017
As is typical of investigations into prostitution at strip clubs statewide, the agent also sought to build a rapport with a dancer to determine whether prostitution was taking place.

— kevin litten, NOLA.com, "A N.O. East club had repeat prostitution violations, OPSO deputy working: ATC," 31 Oct. 2017
Jackson, who committed to Michigan State this past spring, was looking forward to developing more rapport with the MSU staff and players.

— matt dorsey, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State recruiting: Christian Jackson says visit was 'perfect'," 6 Oct. 2017
In 2016, the Queen even appeared in a video to smack talk the U.S. Though Melania will reportedly meet with Harry in Ontario, there's unlikely to be the same cheeky rapport between the Windsors and the first family.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "A Brief History of Donald Trump’s Controversial Interactions with the British Royal Family," 18 Sep. 2017
Lawrence’s rapport with director David O. Russell lent her performances a charming immediacy (Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, Joy) as Russell worked through his issues toward sanity; Aronofsky doesn’t.

— armond white, National Review, "Indulge Personal Neuroses," 15 Sep. 2017
Kearse was a reliable player who was popular with teammates and coaches for his willingness to do whatever asked, and who developed a rapport with Wilson that resulted in the two hooking up for some of the most memorable plays in team history.

— bob condotta, The Seattle Times, "Scary Seahawks’ defense just got scarier with addition of Sheldon Richardson," 1 Sep. 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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