bet
verb (used with object)
to wager with (something or someone).
had been betting
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past perfect progressiveof bet.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 intervention drew more attention than Japan’s previous solo efforts, with analysts saying Washington’s backing sent a stronger signal to speculators who had been betting heavily against the currency.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026
In covering, or closing out, short positions, traders buy the shares they had been betting might decline.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 9, 2026
That translates to less support for continued economic growth than the market had been betting on.
From Barron's ● Nov. 14, 2025
Traders had been betting that interest rates would be cut in June, but started to dampen their expectations after the inflation data was released.
From New York Times ● Mar. 7, 2024
At least that’s how I seen it, and if I had been betting, I would of been a winner more than not.
From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson
