Do you know the meaning of rapport? This article will provide you with all the information on rapport, from its definition to its usage and more!
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Kevin
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January 22, 2022
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What Does Rapport Mean?
rap·port | \ ra-ˈpȯr, rə- \
Chances are you’ve stumbled across the word rapport, but what exactly does it mean?
According to Merriam-Webster.com, rapport can be defined as a relatively harmonious and friendly relationship. Relationships with rapport are characterized by mutual understanding, agreement, or empathy. In turn, Rapport makes clear communication possible and easier for all parties involved.
A simpler definition for this noun is to communicate well with someone and have a good understanding of that individual. The word stems from the old French verb raporter, meaning to bring back.
As the definition goes, rapport is marked by the connection of mutual understanding and trust. This rapport enables bonds of friendship, trust, and affinity. That being said, not many people have the proper knowledge of rapport and its many uses.
What Are Synonyms for Rapport?
There are many different words to use in place of the noun rapport. When two words have the same definition, these words are called synonyms. A great way to expand your vocabulary is by learning synonyms. This is also a great way to avoid repeating yourself when speaking and also in written form as well.
Since you can use rapport in slightly different contexts, we have included below the various uses of the noun.
When rapport is used to describe a relationship of mutual respect and trust, use these synonyms:
- Affinity
- Fellowship
- Same Wavelength
- Hitting it Off
- Agreement
- Empathy
- Harmony
- Interrelationship
- Affiliation
- Rapprochement
- Concord
- Understanding
- Compatibility
- Connection
- Camaraderie
- Relationship
- Communion
When rapport is used to display the feeling of friendship or fellowship:
- Mutual Support
- Social Contract
- Social Intercourse
- Chumminess
- Sisterhood
- Association
- Companionship
- Closeness
- Brotherhood
- Intimacy
- Fraternity
- Union
- Palliness
- Mateyness
- Conviviality
- Solidarity
When rapport refers to a state of accordance or agreement on a given question or topic:
- Meeting of Minds
- Unity
- Sympathy
- Complete Agreement
- Confirmation
- Coincidence
- Unanimity
- Accordance
- Congruence
- Uniformity
- Chorus
- Consilience
- Assent
- Harmony
- Consensus
- Unison
- Concertedness
- Like-Mindedness
- In sync
When rapport means as a reference to the understanding of the emotional state of another person:
- Knowingness
- Receptiveness
- Thoughtfulness
- Comprehension
- Responsiveness
- Consciousness
- Apprehension
- Sympathy
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Commiseration
- Recognition
- Cognition
- Regard
- Intuition
- Warmth
- Receptivity
- Enlightenment
- Mindfulness
- Apperception
- Cognizance
- Communion
- Assimilation
What Are Antonyms for Rapport?
As you may have guessed, with so many different ways to say rapport, there are numerous ways to say the opposite of rapport as well. Another excellent way to expand your English vocabulary is to learn these opposite definitions or antonyms. These antonyms of rapport are also provided by the Wordhippo.
When rapport is used to explain the opposite in regards to mutual respect and trust:
- Coldness
- Discord
- Incompatibility
- Antagonism
- Dissension
- Aloofness
- Opposition
- Hate
- Variance
- Abhorrence
- Dissociation
- Dissolution
- Insecurity
- Difference
- Distaste
- Objection
- Withdrawnness
- Repellency
- Separateness
- Resumption of Hostilities
- Animosity
- Unapproachability
- Aversion
- Alienation
- Remoteness
- Incongruence
- Loathing
- Antipathy
When rapport is used to show the opposite of a feeling of friendship or fellowship:
- Antagonism
- Discord
- Strangeness
- Separation
- Enmity
- Hostility
When rapport is used as the opposite of goodwill between groups of people:
- Antithesis
- Incongruity
- Unconformity
- Contrariety
- Nonconformity
- Inequality
- Opposition
- Dissimilarity
- Conflight
- Variance
- Disparity
- Discrepancy
- Disproportion
- Contradistinction
- Incompatibility
- Dissimilitude
- Polarity
- Unlikeness
- Imbalance
When rapport is used as the opposite of identification of or understanding of the emotional state of another individual:
- Negligence
- Thoughtlessness
- Carelessness
- Aloofness
- Lack of Empathy
- Unmindfulness
- Heedlessness
- Disinterest
- Apathy
- Indifference
- Detachment
- Absence of Feeling
- Lack of Interest
- Cold-Bloodedness
- Unresponsiveness
- Coolness
- Insouciance
- Mercilessness
- Nonchalance
- Lack of rapport
Examples of Rapport Used in a Sentence
Rapport can be used in many different contexts in the English language. One of the best ways to memorize the definition of a word is by simply using it in your everyday vocabulary. Another great way to test your knowledge is through flashcards or quizzes. Try using rapport in a sentence today!
Below are a few examples of the different contexts in which you can use the noun rapport. Take a look at these rapport example sentences:
- Jason’s most recent works are known for his melodious rapport with background music.
- It was pretty clear that at some point, the good-looking gentleman and myself established some good rapport on the dance floor.
- The interviewing officer’s greatest gift was his ability to establish rapport with others and to be able to talk freely with them as a result of this.
- The trainers at the zoo took years to develop rapport with the animals to better understand and co-exist with these animals.
- The new manager was trying to build a good rapport with her team.
- Ideally, you’ll want to start building rapport with your agent sooner rather than later.
- As my child’s grades improved, I could clearly see the strong rapport built with their tutor had paid off.
- She had a good rapport with the people of her hometown and served her community well throughout her years in office.
- Slowly but surely, Corey worked on his natural shyness and established a rapport with his co-workers and managers.
- Our new head coach quickly realized the importance of establishing a good rapport with players as well as other staff members.
- I urge you to make your love relationship secure by cultivating an intellectual and smooth rapport.
- Working directly with your local fire marshall or fire department on an emergency action plan is a great way to build rapport in the event of an emergency.
- They clearly had a great rapport on stage as their set of songs was played flawlessly.
- The colleagues developed an excellent rapport and discovered they had similar values, behaviors, and views on politics.
- When developing rapport, it’s essential to be an active listener.
Recap
Overall, building rapport is a critical component of many professional and personal relationships. There are several techniques for establishing rapport, such as emotional mirroring, posture mirroring, and tempo mirroring. When building rapport, you’ll find that it helps to develop trust as well as open communication.
Simply put, it is an essential skill that all people should develop.
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