ache
verb (used without object)
to have or suffer a continuous, dull pain.
had ached
-
past perfectof ache.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The chief contacted the Blase family and told them what they had ached to know for decades: He knew who had killed Irene.
From New York Times ● Jun. 13, 2021
His bones had ached, his form had dipped but Zidane managed to conjure up a final, extended piece of magic to woo the world.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 25, 2018
“I had ached and writhed with loneliness, twisting round and smearing it on me as though it were a tissue of shame pouring out of my body: shameful, familiar, the fell of shame.”
From The Guardian ● Jun. 10, 2016
His sore right shoulder had ached since he broke his collarbone at 13.
From New York Times ● Dec. 4, 2011
My chest had ached then, too, this very same way.
From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd
