Ace the 2026 Family & Consumer Science Vocab Challenge – Master Your Lingo and Shine!

The term that refers to direct visual contact with another person's eyes is eye contact. This concept is significant in communication, as it can convey interest, attention, and understanding between individuals. Eye contact is often seen as a way to establish a connection and can influence the dynamics of a conversation.

In contrast, 'gaze' generally refers to the act of looking steadily and is not limited to eye contact; it can also reflect a fixed or intent look that might not involve engagement with the other person's eyes. 'Focus' pertains to concentration or attention, which can be visual or cognitive but does not specifically describe the act of looking into someone's eyes. Lastly, 'stare' implies a prolonged and often unblinking look that can be intrusive or discomforting, rather than the mutual engagement represented by eye contact. Thus, the correct answer precisely describes the nature of visual interaction between people.