approach
verb (used with object)
to come near or nearer to.
had been approaching
-
past perfect progressiveof approach.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.
A Jewish organisation had been approaching people whose husbands were in concentration camps to offer the Kindertransport route.
From BBC β Jan. 26, 2024
Originally it was a father-son piece, and that's how he had been approaching it for quite some time.
From Salon β Apr. 18, 2023
In the days prior to the maiden voyage, the eaglet had been approaching the edge of the nest and hovering for a few seconds before dropping back onto a perch.
From Los Angeles Times β May 31, 2022
A member of Assad’s Alawite ruling sect, he said he and others in his hometown were grateful when Russia intervened militarily in 2015, particularly as Islamic extremists had been approaching the area.
From Seattle Times β Feb. 28, 2022
He had been approaching the danger-mark; nevertheless, he wasn't at all sure that he was grateful for the interruption.
From The Kingdom Round the Corner A Novel by Coningsby Dawson
