attract
verb (used with object)
to draw by a physical force causing or tending to cause to approach, adhere, or unite; pull (opposed to repel).
had been attracting
-
past perfect progressiveof attract.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 news about Mbappé had been attracting much of the attention in Spain, leaving the Champions League final to the side.
From Seattle Times ● May 30, 2022
The region had been attracting a growing number of tourists until the uprising began in the north in 2012.
From BBC ● Mar. 25, 2019
The Hawaiian Open had been attracting pros well before that, however, and well before it became a state in 1959.
From Golf Digest ● Oct. 16, 2013
The Miss America pageant which had been attracting little national interest and had fallen on bad times – partly because of the feminist movement – was reinvigorated by her selection.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 24, 2013
Besides, the Forward had been attracting public attention for some months past.
From The English at the North Pole Part I of the Adventures of Captain Hatteras by Jules Verne
