Definition

Noun: A relationship characterized by mutual understanding, trust, and agreement between people. It implies a harmonious connection where communication is easy and effective.

Usage

"Rapport" is an uncountable noun. It describes the positive, often intuitive, bond that facilitates good communication and cooperation. It is commonly used with verbs like "build," "establish," "have," and "maintain."

Examples

• The teacher quickly established a good rapport with her new students.
• A successful salesperson knows how to build rapport with potential clients.
• There was an instant rapport between the two musicians, which made collaborating easy.
• The therapist's warm manner helped create a rapport that made the patient feel safe.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in rapport with someone": This is a more formal or literary way to say you have a good understanding and connection with someone.
  • The negotiator was completely in rapport with his counterpart, allowing for a productive discussion.
• The concept is central in fields like psychology, counseling, sales, and education, where effective interpersonal relationships are key.

Variants and Related Words

• Rapporteur (noun): A person appointed by an organization to report on its proceedings. (Note: This is a distinct word derived from French, not a direct variant of "rapport," but it shares the same root.)
  • The UN rapporteur submitted a report on human rights in the region.

Synonyms

• Understanding: A sympathetic awareness or agreement.
• Affinity: A spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy.
• Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
• Harmony: Agreement in feeling or opinion.

Antonyms

• Discord: Disagreement between people.
• Disconnection: A lack of connection or relationship.
• Hostility: Unfriendly or antagonistic feelings or behavior.

Idioms and Phrases

• "A good rapport": This is the most common collocation, emphasizing the positive quality of the relationship.
  • Their good rapport was evident in how smoothly the project progressed.

Noun

1. a relationship of mutual understanding or trust and agreement between people