rapport

noun rap·port \ ra-ˈpȯr , rə- \

|Updated on: 15 Jul 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

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
Moynihan says the band and the bank have built a rapport that dates back to the years following the Great Recession.

— BostonGlobe.com, "Tech collaborative’s new chair won’t settle for the status quo," 26 June 2018
There is research that suggests primary care providers build less emotional rapport with fat patients.

— your fat friend, SELF, "Weight Stigma Kept Me Out Of Doctors’ Offices for Almost a Decade," 26 June 2018
Some of the most fascinating scenes take place in a documentary-making class, where Fox teaches her students how to build rapport with their subjects, and then push past their resistance.

— emily nussbaum, The New Yorker, "“The Tale,” a Wrenching and Wise Story About Sexual Abuse," 18 June 2018
Building a rapport with the pitching staff as a backup can be difficult.

— chandler rome, Houston Chronicle, "Max Stassi improvement has been a pleasant surprise for Astros," 29 May 2018
Rodman has also been heavily criticized for building rapport with a man widely considered to be a cruel dictator rather than using his visits to push for the release of Americans held captive in North Korea.

— amy b wang, chicagotribune.com, "Dennis Rodman praises Donald Trump's plan to meet with Kim Jong Un: 'Please send my regards'," 9 Mar. 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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