rapport
A close, harmonious relationship with good understanding
Examples
In a meeting
“Building rapport with clients early in the project leads to smoother collaboration.”
Over coffee
“We had instant rapport—it felt like we'd known each other for years.”
Why this word
connection
Rapport implies a harmonious, mutually trusting relationship with easy communication, while connection is vaguer and can describe any form of relationship or link
relationship
Rapport specifically denotes a positive, comfortable mutual understanding characterized by smooth interaction, while relationship is a general term for any connection between people regardless of quality
bond
Rapport emphasizes harmonious communication and understanding in the present interaction, while bond suggests a deeper, more lasting emotional tie that may have developed over time
Usage tip
Use when discussing relationship quality in professional or personal contexts. Often paired with 'build,' 'establish,' or 'develop.'
Etymology
French 'rapporter' (to bring back, refer)
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demoralize
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