éclat

[ ey-klah; French ey-kla ]

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.

éclat

/ eɪˈklɑː; ekla /

noun

1. brilliant or conspicuous success, effect, etc
2. showy display; ostentation
3. social distinction
4. approval; acclaim; applause

Word History and Origins

Origin of éclat¹

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; slit

Word History and Origins

Origin of éclat¹

C17: from French, from éclater to burst; related to Old French esclater to splinter, perhaps of Germanic origin; compare slit

Example Sentences

Jay Z should perhaps take some cues from his wife, Beyoncé, who has just done the exact opposite with great éclat.

From The Daily Beast

Congratulations: visits from my neighbors; all the éclat we could wish or a true lover hate.

From Project Gutenberg

In their missions they aimed at éclat; and hence merely nominal conversions were accepted, because these swelled their numbers.

From Project Gutenberg

He was simply ambitious of influence over students in philosophy and religion,--fond of éclat and fame as a teacher.

From Project Gutenberg

Not contented with the éclat he received, he now meditated the discomfiture of his old master.

From Project Gutenberg

As she says the word husband she has again a vivid éclat of the consciousness that it is he—himself—sitting there beside her.

From Project Gutenberg