Rapport vs. Report: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 21, 2023
Rapport is a harmonious relationship with mutual understanding and trust, while a report is a detailed account or statement about a subject, situation, or event.
Key Differences
Rapport and report are terms with distinct meanings. Rapport refers to a positive, harmonious relationship between people characterized by mutual trust, understanding, and agreement. It is an essential aspect of effective communication and interpersonal relationships. In contrast, a report is a structured document or presentation that provides detailed information or an account of a particular subject, event, or situation. It is typically based on analysis, research, or investigation.
Rapport is often considered in contexts like counseling, management, or any situation where effective interpersonal relationships are crucial. It implies a connection or bond formed between individuals through shared understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. On the other hand, a report is a formal, often written presentation of facts, findings, or results. It is an integral part of academic, professional, and scientific communication, enabling the sharing of knowledge, insights, and information.
Building rapport involves active listening, empathy, and genuine interest in others, and it is crucial in establishing trust and open communication. It is an intangible, yet invaluable aspect of successful interactions, particularly in fields like sales, therapy, and leadership. Conversely, creating a report requires collecting, analyzing, and presenting data or information clearly and concisely. It is tangible and typically aims at informing, persuading, or providing insights and recommendations.
Rapport is a dynamic, relational concept, subject to change and influenced by individuals' perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. It's a foundation for positive interactions and collaborations. Report, however, is static once completed; it is a compilation of data, facts, and analyses on a specific topic, serving as a reference, record, or tool for decision-making.
In conclusion, while rapport is about relationships, connection, and mutual understanding between individuals, a report is a formal, structured presentation or document providing detailed information, analysis, or findings on a specific topic.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Harmonious relationship with mutual understanding and trust.
Detailed account or statement about a subject, situation, or event.
Nature
Intangible and relational.
Tangible and informational.
Purpose
To establish trust and effective communication.
To inform, present findings, or provide analysis.
Involves
Active listening, empathy, and mutual respect.
Collection, analysis, and presentation of data or information.
Use
Interpersonal relationships, counseling, management.
Academic, professional, and scientific communication.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rapport and Report Definitions
Rapport
A close and harmonious relationship in which individuals understand each other’s feelings or ideas and communicate well.
The teacher quickly built a strong rapport with her students.
Report
A detailed account or statement providing information on a subject.
The scientist submitted a report on her research findings.
Rapport
Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend time together.
The team’s success was due to the excellent rapport between team members.
Report
A written document describing the investigation or research conducted on a particular topic.
The committee will review the report before making a decision.
Rapport
A sense of mutual respect and congeniality in relationships.
Good rapport between coworkers promotes a positive work environment.
Report
A presentation of facts or events providing information.
The news channel gave a report on the ongoing crisis.
Rapport
An empathetic and harmonious bond formed between people.
The therapist established rapport with the child by playing games with him.
Report
A structured compilation of information or data on a specific topic or event.
The student presented his report to the class with confidence.
Rapport
A positive, mutual understanding and agreement between individuals.
Building rapport with clients is essential in sales.
Report
A formal account of the proceedings or transactions of a group
A company's annual report.
Rapport
Relationship, especially one of mutual trust or emotional affinity.
Report
A spoken or written account of an event, usually presented in detail
A news report.
Reports of children getting food poisoning.
Rapport
A relationship of mutual trust and respect. A close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well.
He always tried to maintain a rapport with his customers.
Report
A person who is accountable or subordinate to another person within a company or organization
A manager with two reports.
Rapport
Relation; proportion; conformity.
Report
Reports(Law) Bound volumes containing the published court opinions in legal cases, intended to provide a reference for precedents in subsequent cases.
Rapport
Relation; proportion; conformity; correspondence; accord.
'T is obvious what rapport there is between the conceptions and languages in every country.
Report
Reputation; repute
We know him only by report.
Rapport
Relation of mutual understanding or trust and agreement between people
Report
(Archaic) Common talk; rumor or gossip.
Rapport
A feeling of sympathetic understanding
Report
An explosive noise
The report of a rifle.
Rapport
Sympathetic compatibility
Report
To make or present an official or formal account of
The study reported a decline in heart disease. The audit reports that the company lost money.
Report
To write or provide an account or summation of for publication or broadcast
Report the news.
Report
To tell about the presence or occurrence of
A burglar was reported in the area.
Report
To relate or tell, especially from personal experience
They reported that fallen tree limbs were blocking the road.
Report
To submit or relate the results of considerations concerning
The committee reported the bill.
Report
To carry back and repeat to another
Reported the rumor of a strike.
Report
To complain about or denounce
Reported the students to the principal.
Report
To make a report
Would you please report on what happened?.
Report
To serve as a reporter for a publication, broadcasting company, or other news media.
Report
To present oneself
Report for duty.
Report
To be accountable or subordinate to someone
She reports directly to the board of directors.
Report
(transitive) To repeat (something one has heard), to retell; to pass on, convey (a message, information etc.).
Report
To take oneself (to someone or something) for guidance or support; to appeal.
Report
To notify someone of (particular intelligence, suspicions, illegality, misconduct etc.); to make notification to relevant authorities; to submit a formal report of.
For insurance reasons, I had to report the theft to the local police station.
Report
(transitive) To make a formal statement, especially of complaint, about (someone).
If you do that again I'll report you to the boss.
Report
(intransitive) To show up or appear at an appointed time; to present oneself.
Report
(ambitransitive) To write news reports (for); to cover as a journalist or reporter.
Andrew Marr reports now on more in-fighting at Westminster.
Every newspaper reported the war.
Report
(intransitive) To be accountable to or subordinate to (someone) in a hierarchy; to receive orders from (someone); to give official updates to (someone who is above oneself in a hierarchy).
The financial director reports to the CEO.
Now that I've been promoted, I report to Benjamin, whom I loathe.
Report
To return or present as the result of an examination or consideration of any matter officially referred.
The committee reported the bill with amendments, or reported a new bill, or reported the results of an inquiry.
Report
To take minutes of (a speech, the doings of a public body, etc.); to write down from the lips of a speaker.
Report
(obsolete) To refer.
Report
To return or repeat, as sound; to echo.
Report
A piece of information describing, or an account of certain events given or presented to someone, with the most common adpositions being by (referring to creator of the report) and on (referring to the subject).
A report by the telecommunications ministry on the phone network revealed a severe capacity problem.
Report
Reputation.
Report
(firearms) The sharp, loud sound from a gun or explosion.
Report
An employee whose position in a corporate hierarchy is below that of a particular manager.
Report
To refer.
Baldwin, his son, . . . succeeded his father; so like unto him that we report the reader to the character of King Almeric, and will spare the repeating his description.
Report
To bring back, as an answer; to announce in return; to relate, as what has been discovered by a person sent to examine, explore, or investigate; as, a messenger reports to his employer what he has seen or ascertained; the committee reported progress.
There is no man that may reporten all.
Report
To give an account of; to relate; to tell; to circulate publicly, as a story; as, in the common phrase, it is reported.
It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel.
Report
To give an official account or statement of; as, a treasurer reports the receipts and expenditures.
Report
To return or repeat, as sound; to echo.
Report
To return or present as the result of an examination or consideration of any matter officially referred; as, the committee reported the bill witth amendments, or reported a new bill, or reported the results of an inquiry.
Report
To make minutes of, as a speech, or the doings of a public body; to write down from the lips of a speaker.
Report
To write an account of for publication, as in a newspaper; as, to report a public celebration or a horse race.
Report
To make a statement of the conduct of, especially in an unfavorable sense; as, to report a servant to his employer.
Report
To make a report, or response, in respect of a matter inquired of, a duty enjoined, or information expected; as, the committee will report at twelve o'clock.
Report
To furnish in writing an account of a speech, the proceedings at a meeting, the particulars of an occurrence, etc., for publication.
Report
To present one's self, as to a superior officer, or to one to whom service is due, and to be in readiness for orders or to do service; also, to give information, as of one's address, condition, etc.; as, the officer reported to the general for duty; to report weekly by letter.
Report
That which is reported.
It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.
Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and . . . of good report among all the nation of the Jews.
Report
Sound; noise; as, the report of a pistol or cannon.
Report
Rapport; relation; connection; reference.
The corridors worse, having no report to the wings they join to.
Report
A written document describing the findings of some individual or group;
This accords with the recent study by Hill and Dale
Report
A short account of the news;
The report of his speech
The story was on the 11 o'clock news
The account of his speech that was given on the evening news made the governor furious
Report
The act of informing by verbal report;
He heard reports that they were causing trouble
By all accounts they were a happy couple
Report
A sharp explosive sound (especially the sound of a gun firing);
They heard a violent report followed by silence
Report
A written evaluation of a student's scholarship and deportment;
His father signed his report card
Report
An essay (especially one written as an assignment);
He got an A on his composition
Report
The general estimation that the public has for a person;
He acquired a reputation as an actor before he started writing
He was a person of bad report
Report
To give an account or representation of in words;
Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental
Report
Announce as the result of an investigation, or announce something to the proper authorities;
Dozens of incidents of wife beatings are reported daily in this city
The team reported significant advances in their research
Report
Announce one's presence;
I report to work every day at 9 o'clock
Report
Make known to the authorities;
One student reported the other to the principal
Report
Be responsible for reporting the details of, as in journalism;
Snow reported on China in the 1950's
The cub reporter covered New York City
Report
Complain about; make a charge against;
I reported her to the superviser
Report
An official document detailing the activities, events, or situation of something.
The manager read the quarterly financial report with interest.
FAQs
Is a report always written?
While often written, reports can also be presented orally.
What is the core element of rapport?
The core element of rapport is mutual trust and understanding.
Can a report be subjective?
Reports are generally objective but can contain subjective elements like interpretations and opinions.
Can rapport be built instantly?
While it can happen, building rapport usually takes time and genuine interaction.
Is a report a public document?
Reports can be public or confidential, depending on their nature and purpose.
Does rapport only involve verbal communication?
No, rapport also involves non-verbal communication like body language and gestures.
Is every report formal?
While reports are typically formal, informal reports also exist, especially in casual or internal communications.
Is rapport important in professional relationships?
Yes, rapport is crucial in professional relationships for effective communication and collaboration.
Can rapport exist in group settings?
Yes, rapport can exist between individuals within a group or between different groups.
Can reports include recommendations?
Yes, many reports include recommendations based on findings and analysis.
Is it possible to have rapport without liking someone?
It’s challenging but possible to build rapport based on mutual respect and understanding, even without personal liking.
What is the primary purpose of a report?
The primary purpose of a report is to inform, present findings, or analyze a situation or subject.
Is the information in a report always accurate?
Reports aim to be accurate, but they may contain errors or inaccuracies.
Is rapport a one-time achievement?
No, rapport is dynamic and requires ongoing effort to maintain.
Is building rapport a conscious effort?
Building rapport can be both a conscious effort and occur naturally over time.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
