What does rapport mean?
Rapport is a noun for a close, harmonious relationship in which people understand one another, communicate easily, and often trust each other. It is particularly common in discussions of diplomacy, business, education, interviews, negotiations, and cooperation between groups. Saying that someone has rapport with another person suggests that their interactions are unusually smooth and productive, rather than merely pleasant. Rapport can also refer to the relationship between an individual or organization and a larger institution, community, or country. The word is useful because it captures both interpersonal ease and strategic connection: it can describe natural human chemistry as well as a relationship deliberately cultivated through diplomacy. Its positive connotation makes it especially valuable when describing communication or cooperation that enables difficult work to proceed successfully.
nounA close and harmonious relationship marked by mutual understanding, trust, and ease of communication.
- A relationship characterized by mutual understanding, trust, harmony, and ease of communication, especially between individuals or groups.
"The negotiator quickly established rapport with both sides of the dispute."
"Despite their different backgrounds, the two researchers developed an immediate rapport."
"The ambassador worked to maintain rapport with local leaders and the national government."
The regular plural is grammatically correct but less common than the singular; it is useful when referring to distinct relationships, groups, or kinds of rapport.
"Diplomats often cultivate several kinds of rapport before formal negotiations begin."
From diplomatic relations to instant human chemistry, rapport has always been about connection.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rapport come from?
Rapport was borrowed into English in the early 17th century from French rapport, a word originally associated with formal relationships, particularly in diplomacy. The French noun derives from rapporter, meaning to relate or bring together, ultimately from Latin reportare, meaning to carry back. That Latin root also lies behind cognates such as report and reporter and the broader family of words connected with portare, meaning to carry, including porter and export.
How rapport is actually used
Generally formal but widely used in professional, educational, diplomatic, and social contexts. It normally carries a positive connotation and suggests a relationship stronger than simple friendliness or acquaintance.