adopt
verb (used with object)
to choose or take as one's own; make one's own by selection or assent.
had been adopting
-
past perfect progressiveof adopt.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.
It said it "had been adopting administrative measures and demanding action from the federal agencies responsible for the area".
From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026
The arrests drew wide attention, in part because New Haven officials had been adopting policies to bring illegal immigrants out of the shadows.
From New York Times ● Dec. 18, 2010
At that moment, La Fayette, who had been adopting the most vigorous measures for the protection of the persons of the royal family, came to meet them.
From Maria Antoinette Makers of History by John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott
I don't think Dr. Carr ever laughed so hard in his life, as when finally he got to the bottom of the story, and found that Katy and Clover had been "adopting" a child.
From What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge
