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

The eclat which the Moorish caliphs shed upon Spain from the tenth to the thirteenth century is well known.

From Project Gutenberg

They'll all be there, old man, and I shall make my exit with much eclat, with pipe and dance and all the rest of it.

From Project Gutenberg

The first splendour and eclat of such situations soon loses its lustre, and often, as you found it, is burdensome.

From Project Gutenberg

It is very beautiful to teach Truth, but error should not be corrected with too much eclat.

From Project Gutenberg

A new era was opened in 1847 by the introduction with great eclat and enterprise of the first iron steamers.

From Project Gutenberg