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.
The yield on 10-year gilts, as bonds issued by the UK government are known, had been approaching 4.9%, reflecting investor unease.
From BBC ● Jan. 15, 2025
Originally it was a father-son piece, and that's how he had been approaching it for quite some time.
From Salon ● Apr. 18, 2023
Before Saturday’s game, Vogel said he had been approaching every contest thinking it would be the one to change their outlook and their season.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 6, 2022
He watched the day’s events and was shocked — but felt it had been approaching this point for a long time.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 6, 2021
While still retaining many of their local traits, their point of view had been approaching in certain respects that of the inhabitants of the East.
From The Promise of American Life by Herbert David Croly
