2 syllables: E, clat. Stress on clat.
ay-KLAH
/eɪˈklɑː/
Eclat is pronounced ay-KLAH (/eɪˈklɑː/). It has two syllables (E-clat), with the stress on "clat". Eclat is a noun meaning conspicuous success or brilliant effect, often achieved publicly or in fashion. It conveys a striking display or flourish that draws attention. The term, borrowed from French, implies showy brilliance and a notable, memorable impact rather than quiet excellence.
nounEclat is a noun meaning conspicuous success or brilliant effect, often achieved publicly or in fashion. It conveys a striking display or flourish that draws attention. The term, borrowed from French, implies showy brilliance and a notable, memorable impact rather than quiet excellence.
"Her performance came with eclat, captivating the audience from the opening note."
"The fashion show closed with an eclat of shimmering fabrics and dramatic lighting."
"His speech was delivered with eclat, earning enthusiastic applause."
Pronounce as e-CLAH, with the stress on the second syllable. In IPA for standard US/UK practice you can use /eˈklɑː/ (US) or /eˈklɑː/ (UK). The vowel is a broad open back unrounded /ɑː/ sound, and the final 't' is not pronounced in English borrowing but sometimes silent or lightly released depending on context. You’ll want to lead with the /e/ vowel and then a clear /kl/ cluster, ending with a long open vowel. Audio reference: consult Cambridge/Forvo or Pronounce for native-like quality.
Common errors include treating the second syllable as a short ‘lat’ with a hard ‘t,’ pronouncing the final consonant as /t/ or /d/, and misplacing the vowel as a short /æ/ as in ‘cat.’ Correction: keep the second syllable with a tense, open back vowel /ɑː/ and drop the final /t/ if anglicizing, letting the syllable end with a long vowel. Practice by isolating /e/ → /kl/ → /ɑː/ and delaying the release of the syllable boundary to avoid truncation.
In US and UK, syllable stress remains on the second syllable, but vowel qualities shift: US tends toward /eɪkˈlɑː/ could be heard as /eˈklæ tæ/ in rapid speech, while UK often retains a clearer /eɪ/ onset and longer /ɑː/. Australian tends toward a broader /eɪ/ and a more open final vowel, with less rhotic influence. Overall, the key is the /e/ vowel onset with stress on the second syllable and a prolonged /ɑː/ or /ɔː/ depending on accent.
The difficulty lies in the French loan pronunciation and English adaptation: a stressed second syllable with a central to back vowel quality and a silent or lightly released final consonant. The /e/ at the start can be subtle, and the /kl/ consonant cluster requires precise articulation without adding extra vowel sound. Also, non-native speakers often default to a hard final /t/. Focusing on the open /ɑː/ vowel and final silent-like release helps achieve natural pronunciation across accents.
Unlike many English loanwords, éclat retains a distinct French vowel split with a stressed second syllable and a long back vowel in the second syllable. The accent on the first syllable and the potential elision of the final consonant makes it quirky: you pronounce /e/ then /kl/ followed by a long /ɑː/ or /æ/ depending on region, finishing without a crisp /t/ release. This unique combination helps differentiate it from similar-looking words borrowed from French.
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Eclat comes from the French word éclat, meaning a burst or splintering from the verb éclater ‘to burst, to crack, to shine’. In 17th–18th century French, éclat referred to a splintering sound or a striking effect, later embedded in English to denote brilliant action or display. The British and American lexicons adopted the term in the 18th–19th centuries, preserving the accent acute on the first syllable and the silent final t-shaped influence of French orthography. Over time, éclat broadened from literal bursts or splinters to metaphorical brightness—public acclaim, impressive displays, or noteworthy success—maintaining its sense of vibrancy and visibility. The first known English usages appear in literary and critical writings describing theatrical or social triumphs, with citations tracking to early 18th-century publications that discuss ceremonies, performances, and public events where a display or action stood out with notable éclat.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Eclat" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Eclat"
-eat sounds
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