Definition

Noun: 1. The act of two people looking directly into each other's eyes: This contact occurs when the gaze of two individuals meets. 2. A meeting of the eyes that communicates non-verbal meaning: This is an interaction where looking at each other conveys unspoken feelings, intentions, or information.

Usage

• Making eye contact is a common social signal of attention, confidence, or honesty.
• It is used to establish a connection, show you are listening, or gauge another person's reaction.
• Avoiding eye contact can sometimes signal discomfort, dishonesty, or shyness.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To break eye contact": To look away from someone's gaze.
  • He broke eye contact when asked the difficult question.
• "To hold/maintain eye contact": To continue looking directly into someone's eyes.
  • Good leaders know how to hold eye contact when speaking.

Variants and Related Words

• Gaze (n/v): A steady, intent look.
• Stare (n/v): To look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something, often for a long time.

Synonyms

• Visual connection
• Mutual gaze

Related Phrases

• Catch someone's eye: To get someone's attention by looking at them.
  • She tried to catch the waiter's eye to order.
• Look someone in the eye: To look at someone directly and often boldly or honestly.
  • Can you look me in the eye and say that?

Related Idioms

• See eye to eye: To agree fully with someone.
  • Fortunately, we see eye to eye on the project goals. (Note: This idiom is related conceptually but does not involve literal eye contact).

Noun

1. contact that occurs when two people look directly at each other
   • a teacher should make eye contact with the students
2. a meeting of the eyes between two people that expresses meaningful nonverbal communication
   • it was a mere glance, but the eye contact was enough to tell her that he was desperate to leave