rapport

[ra-pawr, -pohr, ruh-]

noun

1. relation; connection, especially harmonious or sympathetic relation.

   a teacher trying to establish close rapport with students.

   Synonyms: understanding, camaraderie, fellowship

rapport

/ ræˈpɔː /

noun

1. (often foll by with) a sympathetic relationship or understanding See also en rapport

Other Word Forms

• nonrapport noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rapport¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from French, derivative of rapporter “to bring back, report,” equivalent to r(e)- re- + apporter ( Old French aporter, from Latin apportāre, equivalent to ap- ap- ¹ + portāre “to carry”; port ⁵ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of rapport¹

C15: from French, from rapporter to bring back, from _re- + aporter , from Latin apportāre , from ad to + portāre to carry

Example Sentences

Neal Thompson was selected for the job because he'd had previous dealings with the target and was thought to have built rapport with him, The Age newspaper reported.

From BBC

Lambert-Smith impressed coaches with sure hands and precision route running, building rapport with Herbert.

From Los Angeles Times

Lee marveled at the new Oval Office decor and praised the personal rapport that the US president has with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

From BBC

The two share a natural, enviable rapport, and when Agnes submits her thesis, Decker is all too happy to sing her praises, offering to give her notes firsthand.

From Salon

That friendly rapport between the two translated on court, with the pair laughing and high-fiving between points.

From BBC

Related Words

• affinity 
• compatibility 
• empathy 
• harmony 
• sympathy 
• togetherness