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rapport

ra-POR /ræˈpɔːr/

nounC1GREGMATIELTS

professionalgeneral

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

Focuses on communication, mutual understanding, and 'being on the same wavelength.' It is often built quickly through conversation.

The story behind the word. Rapport is a direct loanword from French, coming from the verb 'rapporter', which means 'to bring back' (from 're-' meaning 'back' and 'apporter' meaning 'to bring', from Latin 'adportare'). The idea is that in a good relationship, energy, ideas, and feelings are constantly being brought back and forth between two people without friction.

Word relationships

understanding: Understanding is a cognitive state of comprehension, while rapport is an emotional and communicative harmony.
affinity: Affinity is a natural liking or attraction, whereas rapport is an active state of smooth, mutual communication.

discord: Discord is active disagreement, which completely disrupts rapport.
friction: Friction is clash or conflict in communication, preventing rapport from forming.

Commonly confused with

report: A report (with an 'e') is a spoken or written account of something, while rapport (with an 'a') is a harmonious relationship.

Word family

rapporteur (noun): A person appointed by an organization to report on its proceedings (often in international bodies).

Collocations

build rapport
establish rapport
good rapport
instant rapport

Idioms & expressions

on the same wavelength

Example sentences

"An experienced teacher knows how to establish a quick rapport with a new class." A guide on effective teaching strategies.
"Before diving into the contract details, spend some time building rapport with the client." A business book on negotiation.

Memory hook

When you have rapport, you can 'rap' (talk) easily and support each other. Bringing thoughts back and forth.

When not to use

Do not use to describe a long-term blood relation or a formal treaty unless you are specifically talking about the quality of their communication.

Fun facts

The word 'rapport' entered English in the 15th century but was lost, only to be re-borrowed from French in the 19th century as a psychological term.