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rapport

rah-POR /ræˈpɔːr/

nounC1SATACTTOEFLIELTS

GeneralBusinessPsychological

A close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well.

Emphasizes mutual trust, empathy, and smooth, effortless communication.

The story behind the word. The word was borrowed from French in the 17th century. It literally means 'to bring back' or 'to refer.' In French, en rapport meant being in a state of agreement or relation, suggesting that when you have rapport with someone, you are constantly 'bringing back' and exchanging thoughts and feelings in perfect harmony.

Word relationships

affinity: Affinity is a natural liking or sympathy, whereas rapport is an active state of mutual understanding and communication.
harmony: Harmony is general agreement and peace, while rapport is specifically interpersonal and communicative.

discord: Discord is disagreement and lack of harmony between people.
estrangement: Estrangement is the state of being alienated or separated from someone.

Commonly confused with

report: Report is a spoken or written account of something; rapport (pronounced with a silent 't') is a harmonious relationship.

Collocations

build rapport
establish rapport
excellent rapport
instant rapport

Example sentences

"She had an instant rapport with the children, who trusted her completely." A description of a successful teacher's connection with students.

Memory hook

When you have rapport, you support each other and report your feelings openly. Rapport is a bridge of mutual trust.

When not to use

Do not use for a formal agreement or a simple acquaintance; it requires a warm, felt connection.

Fun facts

The 't' at the end of rapport is silent because of its French origin.
In psychology, 'rapport' is considered a crucial element of the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client.