What does eclat mean?
Eclat is a noun denoting brilliant success or a dazzling display of style and effectiveness, especially when it wins public admiration. A performer, a project, or even a dinner party can be carried off 'with eclat', meaning it was done not merely well but conspicuously and impressively. The word carries connotations of polish, panache, and social distinction, and it retains a slightly formal, literary flavour in modern English, appearing more often in reviews, journalism, and elegant prose than in casual conversation. It entered English from French in the seventeenth century, deriving ultimately from the same Latin root as 'clarity' — fittingly, since something done with eclat stands out vividly. Though never among the most common words, eclat endures because no single ordinary word captures quite the same combination of success, brilliance, and applause.
Brilliant or conspicuous success; dazzling display or effect that attracts admiration.
"The expedition concluded with considerable eclat, its findings announced at a packed press conference."
Great social distinction or prestige.
"The ambassador moved through diplomatic circles with unmistakable eclat."
Rarely pluralised; eclat is almost always treated as an uncountable noun referring to a quality or effect rather than a countable object.
"His career was marked by a series of eclats that kept him in the public eye."
Eclat comes from the French for a 'burst' of noise — it originally described the crack of applause, and only later the brilliance that earns it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of eclat
Eclat was borrowed into English from French in the early seventeenth century. It derives from the Old French verb esclater ('to burst out'), which traces back through Vulgar Latin forms to Latin ex- ('out') plus clarare ('to make clear or bright'), from clarus ('clear, bright'). This makes it a distant relative of words like clarify, declare, and clarity. Originally referring to a loud burst of sound or applause, it shifted to mean brilliant success and dazzling effect.
How eclat is actually used
Eclat is a somewhat formal or literary word, most at home in written English and elevated speech. It is almost always used positively and typically appears after 'with' (as in 'with eclat'). The final syllable rhymes with 'car', reflecting its French pronunciation. In British usage the spelling sometimes appears with accents as 'éclat'.
Easily confused with eclat
An eclair is an oblong pastry filled with cream, while eclat means brilliant success or dazzling effect — the two share French roots but nothing else.