Rapport
noun
Definition
1. (noun) A good, trusting relationship between people where they understand each other and communicate easily — often something that needs to be built over time.
Context Alive
You start a new job and your manager asks you to handle a difficult client. You call them for the first time and it's awkward — short answers, long pauses, zero warmth. But you don't give up. Every call, you ask about their weekend, remember little details, and follow up on things they mentioned before. After a few weeks, you've built a real rapport with them. Now the conversations feel easy and natural, almost like talking to a friend. Your manager notices the change and asks how you did it.
Meanings
1 meanings 1 A Good, Comfortable Connection Between People (Noun) Common ▼
This meaning is about having a warm, trusting relationship with someone where communication just flows. Imagine visiting a new therapist for the first time — the conversation feels stiff and uncomfortable. But after a few sessions, you start to feel understood, and a genuine rapport develops between you. This is that sense of being on the same page with someone — you get each other, and talking feels easy. You might hear "they have a great rapport" about two colleagues who work together smoothly and never seem to argue, or someone could say "I built a rapport with the team" after spending time earning their trust. Or think about a teacher who connects with students instantly — the kids laugh at their jokes, ask questions freely, and actually enjoy the class because there's a natural rapport in the room. The word suggests a relationship that goes deeper than just being polite — there's real understanding and mutual respect.
✏️ Rapport almost always appears with "build," "establish," or "develop" — because it's usually something you create through effort, not something that just happens. You don't "make" rapport or "do" rapport. The most natural combination is build rapport with someone. The word comes from French, which is why the final 't' is silent.
Common Patterns
Basic Structures
build rapport with + person → the most common pattern — creating a good connection through effort
A good salesperson knows how to build rapport with customers quickly.
have a rapport with + person → describing an existing good relationship
She has a great rapport with her students — they really respect her.
establish rapport → more formal version of 'build rapport', common in professional contexts
The first step in any negotiation is to establish rapport with the other side.
Common Structures
develop a rapport with + person → emphasises the process of building a connection over time
It took months, but she finally developed a rapport with her shy neighbour.
instant rapport → a connection that forms immediately without effort
They met at a conference and felt an instant rapport — as if they'd known each other for years.
good / strong / great rapport → adjectives commonly used to describe the quality of the connection
The interview went well because there was a strong rapport between us from the start.
Collocations
10 collocationsbuild rapport
to create a trusting connection with someone through effort
establish rapport
to set up a good working relationship, often in formal settings
develop rapport
to gradually grow a connection with someone over time
good rapport
a positive, comfortable relationship
strong rapport
a deep and solid connection between people
instant rapport
an immediate connection that happens without effort
natural rapport
an easy, effortless connection that feels genuine
personal rapport
a connection based on personal understanding, not just professional
rapport with clients
a trusting relationship with the people you serve or work for
lack of rapport
the absence of understanding or connection between people
Example Sentences
10 examples
1
A good teacher can build rapport with a class in the first ten minutes.
An effective teacher can create a trusting connection with students almost immediately.
2
There was an instant rapport between them — they talked for three hours without stopping.
They clicked right away and ended up chatting non-stop for three hours.
3
He struggled to establish rapport with his new team because he was too formal.
He found it hard to connect with his new colleagues because he came across as stiff.
4
The therapist spent the first session trying to develop rapport before asking deeper questions.
The therapist used the first meeting to build trust before moving on to more personal topics.
5
She has an amazing rapport with children — they always open up to her.
She connects with kids incredibly well — they feel comfortable sharing with her right away.
6
Without rapport, even the best sales pitch will fall flat.
If there's no trust or connection, even the most polished sales presentation won't work.
7
The interview panel noted the candidate's ability to build rapport quickly.
The interviewers were impressed by how fast the applicant could connect with people.
8
It's hard to have a rapport with someone who never listens to what you say.
It's difficult to feel connected to a person who ignores everything you tell them.
9
The doctor's warm manner helped her establish rapport with nervous patients.
The doctor's friendly approach made anxious patients feel comfortable and understood.
10
They lost the rapport they once had after the argument about money.
The close understanding between them disappeared after they fought over finances.
Synonyms & Antonyms
6 items
Synonymsconnection
more general — can be emotional, physical, or intellectual
bond
stronger and more emotional — implies a deeper attachment
understanding
focuses on the mutual awareness part of the relationship
Antonymstension
the opposite feeling — discomfort and unease between people
hostility
active unfriendliness or opposition
disconnect
a lack of understanding or communication between people