compare
verb (used with object)
to examine (two or more objects, ideas, people, etc.) in order to note similarities and differences.
had been comparing
-
past perfect progressiveof compare.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.
With a Ukrainian flag around her shoulders, she said she had been comparing the city with London, and Liverpool had come out on top.
From Reuters ● May 11, 2023
And yet, given all the outrage, you might think Tanden had been comparing her political opponents to Hitler, not the villain from Harry Potter.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 28, 2021
Years before “Hamilton” opened at the Public on Feb. 17, 2015, I had been comparing Lin to Shakespeare.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2017
Egyptian blogger Hossam el-Hamalawy told the BBC that people had been comparing the Tunisian political situation with their own.
From BBC ● Jan. 18, 2011
"He told me he had been comparing the MS. notes with Dr. Ruthven's published paper, and he thought my father saw farther into the capabilities."
From Magnum Bonum by Charlotte Mary Yonge
