rapport

noun rap·port \ ra-ˈpȯr , rə- \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 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

Slick subordinates who establish a rapport with investors may start acting like your equals.

— The Economist, "Life as you know it is IPOver," 12 July 2018
Building rapport with the interviewer demonstrates your communication skills.

— kimberly thompson, Houston Chronicle, "Career Rescue: Soft skills help energy-job interview," 8 July 2018
Gwennie, however, has no memory of the man and no interest in kindling any rapport.

— joan gaylord, The Christian Science Monitor, "'A View of the Empire at Sunset' uses author Jean Rhys to explore 'otherness'," 13 June 2018
The two have a warm rapport — and are set to meet next week at Mar-a-Lago.

— tory newmyer, Washington Post, "The Finance 202: Trump's TPP flirtation is surprisingly serious," 13 Apr. 2018
While Trump and Xi both claim to have a personal rapport, that friendship only runs so far.

— Bloomberg.com, "As Trump Shreds Global Trade Deals, Xi Basks in ‘Davos Man’ Role," 18 Jan. 2018
Despite their polar opposition on many issues, Trump and Macron have developed a strong personal rapport which has mesmerised observers.

— wael mahdi, Houston Chronicle, "OPEC seeks last minute compromise as Iran opposes supply boost," 22 June 2018
People like to share and talk about these things, and just being receptive to hearing their stories and their foods improves rapport and trust, both which are important in any coaching relationship.

— christine byrne, SELF, "Your Nutrition Advice Won't Help If It's Not Culturally Sensitive," 29 Jan. 2018
Opening up about your own life story can put an interviewee at ease, establishing rapport and trust.

— ellen mcgirt, Fortune, "How to Make Your Next Job Interview Count," 18 Jan. 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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