admire
verb (used with object)
to regard with wonder, pleasure, or approval.
had been admiring
-
past perfect progressiveof admire.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Omar Ramírez, also from Bakersfield, said he had been admiring river pools where a swim would be refreshing.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2025
The artist gave it to his father, who had been admiring the work when the canvas was still wet.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 29, 2023
“I had been admiring him from afar,” Ms. Moody said.
From New York Times ● Apr. 1, 2022
Some in the queue had been admiring Lewis since they were teenagers.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 28, 2020
The young man had been admiring the white hands.
From Miss Maitland Private Secretary by Geraldine Bonner
