1 rapport | Definition of rapport

rapport

noun
rap·​port | \ ra-ˈpȯr How to pronounce rapport (audio) , rÉ™-\

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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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.

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

The incredible rapport between the cast, the amazing writing, the relatable themes about friendship and relationships, and heartbreak, and success and failure, and loyalty. Ruth Kinane, EW.com, "Gunther and Janice actors recall iconic Friends catchphrases, bleached hair, and more," 5 Sep. 2019 But the beating heart of the film is Magaro and Lee, the rapport between their polar-opposite characters so believable that our anxiety mounts when they're separated and our spirits are lifted when their bond is reaffirmed. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, "'First Cow': Film Review | Telluride 2019," 31 Aug. 2019 Nor can a reproduction compare to the immediacy of the originals, which lures viewers into a personal rapport with the artist. Claudia Kalb, National Geographic, "Explore Leonardo da Vinci works from Queen Elizabeth II's private collection," 14 May 2019 What’s the first thing that clicked in fostering the creative rapport between you and Lee? Gail Mitchell, Billboard, "Terence Blanchard Talks New Album 'Live,' Gun Violence & Working With Spike Lee," 21 Apr. 2018 Her rapport with young costar Margaret O’Brien is touching, particularly in their scenes of sisterly affection. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, "8 essential Judy Garland movies that aren't The Wizard of Oz," 23 Aug. 2019 If, just if, the summit could have gone on one more day…that might have given the two leaders time to build their burgeoning rapport and overrule sceptics in their delegations. The Economist, "Reagan and Gorbachev’s tantalising nuclear talks in Reykjavik," 15 Aug. 2019 With the Browns about a week away before their first preseason game against the Washington Redskins, Kitchens continuing to grow his rapport with the team will be key. cleveland.com, "What Freddie Kitchens did Wednesday during Day 6 of Cleveland Browns training camp," 31 July 2019 So most of those decisions are made based on rapport. Shalwah Evans, Essence, "UOMA's Sharon Chuter Gives Black Women Advice On How To Make It In Beauty," 6 Aug. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of rapport

1660, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for 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

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More Definitions for rapport

rapport

noun

English Language Learners Definition of rapport

formal : a friendly relationship

rapport

noun
rap·​port | \ ra-ˈpȯr How to pronounce rapport (audio) \

Kids Definition of rapport

: a friendly relationship

rapport

noun
rap·​port | \ ra-ˈpȯ(É™)r, rÉ™- How to pronounce rapport (audio) \

Medical Definition of rapport

: harmonious accord or relation that fosters cooperation, communication, or trust rapport between a patient and psychotherapist

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More from Merriam-Webster on rapport

Rhyming Dictionary: 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