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rapport

ruh-POR /ræˈpɔːr/

nounC1IELTSGRECAT

generalprofessionalacademic

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

Rapport is not just 'liking' someone; it is a professional state of mutual trust that allows for honest data collection.

The story behind the word. From the French 'rapporter', meaning 'to bring back'. The idea is that in a good relationship, people 'bring back' or return the same level of energy and understanding that they receive. It entered English in the 15th century.

Word relationships

affinity: Affinity is a natural liking; rapport is often a consciously built professional bond.
harmony: Harmony is a general state of peace; rapport is specifically about communication and trust.

discord: Discord is a lack of agreement or harmony.
animosity: Animosity is active hostility or ill will.

Commonly confused with

report: A report is a factual account; rapport is a feeling of connection. They sound similar but have different roots.

Collocations

build rapport
establish rapport
good rapport
instant rapport

Example sentences

"Establishing rapport is essential for successful interviewing; without it, the informant may remain guarded." Interview techniques
"Rapport is a state of mutual trust and emotional affinity that allows for a therapeutic connection." Psychology

Memory hook

Rapport sounds like 'support'. If you have rapport, you support each other's communication. Rapport: A bridge of trust.

When not to use

Don't confuse it with 'report' (a document). The 't' is silent.

Fun facts

The 't' in rapport is silent because of its French origin, making it a common word for spelling bees.