rapport

Where does the word "rapport" come from? It comes from Latin portare, passing through French before entering English (1660s-1894).

Rapport’s story begins in Latin: portare meant “to carry.” The basic verb of carrying, combined with ad- 'to' and later re- 'back'. By 1100s, the word had taken hold in French as rapporter. 'to bring back, to refer to' - the source of a back-formed noun. It reached English by 1660s-1894 as rapport. Entered meaning simple 'relation, reference', later specialized to the harmonious connection between two people. Today, rapport means a close, harmonious relationship in which people understand each other's feelings.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient portare "to carry", the basic verb of carrying, combined with ad- 'to' and later re- 'back'.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1100s rapporter "to bring back, relate", 'to bring back, to refer to' - the source of a back-formed noun.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1660s-1894 rapport "relationship, connection; harmonious accord", entered meaning simple 'relation, reference', later specialized to the harmonious connection between two people.