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rapport

ra-POR /ræˈpɔːr/

nounC1GRESATGMAT

ProfessionalPsychologicalGeneral

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

Focuses on mutual empathy, trust, and smooth, effortless communication.

The story behind the word. Rapport is a French word that literally means 'relationship' or 'connection.' It comes from rapporter, meaning 'to bring back' (re- 'back' + apporter 'to bring'). The idea is that in a good relationship, what you give out is brought back to you; it is a continuous, harmonious echo of mutual understanding.

Word relationships

affinity: Affinity is a natural liking or sympathy for someone, while rapport is an active state of mutual understanding and smooth communication built over time.

discord: Discord refers to disagreement and lack of harmony, which is the exact opposite of rapport.

Commonly confused with

relationship: Relationship is a neutral term for any connection, whereas rapport specifically describes a positive, harmonious, and trusting connection.

Collocations

build rapport
establish rapport
good rapport
instant rapport

Idioms & expressions

on the same wavelength

Example sentences

"Establishing a strong rapport with the patient is the first and most critical step in therapy." A textbook on clinical psychology and patient care.

Memory hook

Rapport sounds like 'support.' When you have rapport with someone, you support each other through easy, open communication. A supportive echo of trust.

When not to use

Do not use to describe a purely formal agreement or contract where no personal connection or warmth exists.

Fun facts

In psychology, 'mirroring'—subtly copying the body language, gestures, or speech patterns of another person—is a scientifically proven way to build rapport.