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

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

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

A band gives éclat to an out-door gathering and confers local importance upon it.

From Manners and Rules of Good Society or Solecisms to be Avoided by Anonymous