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; slit

Example Sentences

He was soigné, to use one of his favorite words, and he had éclat, to use another.

From New York Times • Jan. 22, 2022

Ford ends his appreciation with éclat, holding up the famous opening paragraphs of Great Expectations as the work of a “master stylist”.

From The Guardian • Jun. 9, 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

As Claire, Duncan acts with her usual éclat, but her performance is distinguished for being so grounded in the collective drama.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2014

But in the narrower field of Bath she expected to shine forth with greater éclat than in London, and to obtain admiration more worthy of her acceptance than any which a country circle could offer.

From Adeline Mowbray or, The Mother and Daughter by Opie, Amelia Alderson