rapport

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

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 Robby Anderson is a reliable deep threat who developed a nice rapport with Darnold toward the end of last season, scoring three times over his final four games. Brandon Niles, SI.com, "Fantasy Football 2019: Quarterback Position Primer," 5 Aug. 2019 In addition to learning a new offense, Winston devoted time this offseason to improving his footwork and developing a better rapport with some of the team's young receivers. Fred Goodall, orlandosentinel.com, "Bucs QB Jameis Winston relishes chance to work with Bruce Arians," 27 July 2019 Gaffigan and Miller have a nice rapport as their bond develops, but their individual performances aren’t strong enough to overcome the film’s overall uneven tone. Pat Padua, Twin Cities, "In comedy about cheating, cheap laughs overwhelm ‘Being Frank’," 27 June 2019 Soublet, a lawyer, and Soriano, an engineer, bring complementary skills, as well as an easy rapport, to their work together. Carolyn Said, San Francisco Chronicle, "DMV officials: Self-driving car regulations will continue to evolve," 11 Apr. 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.

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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(ə)r, rə- 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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