brighten
verb (used with or without object)
to become or make bright or brighter.
had been brightening
-
past perfect progressiveof brighten.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.
Under Chairman James Lee, 62, a Mississippi-born chemical engineer, Gulfs prospects had been brightening.
From Time Magazine Archive
The dim landscape which had been brightening all day to the green of spring was now darkening to the gray of evening.
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 89, March, 1865 by Various
Ella's face had been brightening as if gathering all the sunshine in the spring sky, and she was about to speak eagerly when Mara stopped her by a gesture.
From The Earth Trembled by Edward Payson Roe
The kitchen had been brightening for Martie with the swift changes of a stage sunrise.
From Martie, the Unconquered by Kathleen Thompson Norris
