had been civilizing

• past perfect progressive

  past perfect progressive

  Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.

  of civilize.
  civilize

  verb (used with object)

  to bring out of a savage, uneducated, or rude state; make civil; elevate in social and private life; enlighten; refine.

Related Words

• acquaint
• enlighten
• ennoble
• humanize
• idealize
• refine
• sophisticate
• tame