cultivate-interpersonal-rapport
/ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪt ˌɪn.təˈpɜː.sən.əl ræˈpɔːr/ IELTSAcademic
verb
to slowly build a friendly, comfortable, and trusting relationship with someone. It is often used in formal, academic, or business contexts.
- She tried to cultivate interpersonal rapport with her new team.
- Good leaders cultivate interpersonal rapport quickly.
- He cultivated rapport through small, kind conversations.
Adinary Nuance
This phrase is more formal than words like "befriend" or "get close to." It focuses on building trust and smooth communication, especially at work or in study. Writers choose it when they want to sound professional, careful, and polite. It is less warm and personal than "make friends with".
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- xây dựng quan hệ
- Spanish
- crear rapport
- Chinese
- 建立融洽关系
- Japanese
- 信頼関係を築く
- Korean
- 신뢰 관계를 쌓다
Etymology
This phrase combines cultivate, from Latin cultivare, meaning “to tend or develop,” with rapport, from French rapport, meaning “relationship” or “connection.” In English, it became common in formal writing and professional settings.
Common phrases
cultivate rapportbuild interpersonal rapportestablish rapport with someone
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is cultivate interpersonal rapport formal or informal
- It is mostly formal. People use it in business, education, and academic writing.
- What is the difference between cultivate interpersonal rapport and build friendships?
- Cultivate interpersonal rapport is more professional. It means creating trust and ease, not necessarily friendship.
- Can I use this phrase in IELTS writing?
- Yes. It sounds natural in formal or academic IELTS answers.