éclat

American  

[ey-klah, ey-kla] / eɪˈklɑ, eɪˈkla /

noun

1. brilliance of success, reputation, etc..

   the éclat of a great achievement.

2. showy or elaborate display.

   a performance of great éclat.

3. acclamation; acclaim.

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éclat British  

/ eɪˈklɑː, ekla /

noun

1. brilliant or conspicuous success, effect, etc

2. showy display; ostentation

3. social distinction

4. approval; acclaim; applause

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Etymology

Origin of éclat

1665–75; < French: splinter, fragment, burst, flash, brilliance, Old French esclat, noun derivative of esclater to burst, break violently, probably < Old Low Franconian *slaitan to split, break (compare Old High German sleizan to tear), a causative of Germanic *slitan; see slit

Explanation

When you do something with eclat, you do it with great style or an amazing effect. A skilled magician performs all of her tricks with eclat. Eclat is the gusto or flair with which you make an entrance at a party or sing a song at your school talent show. It's also a certain measure of success, especially the type that other people consider you to have — your skill on the soccer field might lend you a certain amount of eclat among your classmates, for example. The word eclat comes from the French éclat, which means "splinter or fragment," but also "flash of brilliance."

Example Sentences

She finds the vulnerable beauty of “Will He Like Me?,” she blows the lid off “Vanilla Ice Cream” and she handles the tricky letter-writing ditty “Dear Friend” with éclat.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2020

Nonetheless, France did manage a few moments of éclat et élan in that semifinal, and none were more breathtaking than Kylian Mbappé’s backheel.

From Slate • Jul. 14, 2018

Now I remembered a line from Walt Whitman: “As I walk, solitary, unattended, around me I hear that éclat of the world.”

From New York Times • Dec. 28, 2013

Ross was present to add shy éclat to the opening weekend.

From The Guardian • Jan. 27, 2013

Nor was it so long after that event they were recommenced, and carried on with greater éclat than ever.

From No Quarter! by Reid, Mayne