deepen
verb (used with or without object)
had been deepening
-
past perfect progressiveof deepen.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.
Before Milei took power, Argentina -- a major lithium producer -- had been deepening ties with China.
From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2025
For a considerable time previous to the scene described in our last chapter, a principle of general resistance to tithes had been deepening in and spreading over the country.
From The Tithe-Proctor The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two by William Carleton
His religious character had been deepening into Puritanism.
From Anne Bradstreet and Her Time by Helen Campbell
The moonlight had been deepening fast, and Henry saw two of the great canoes appear, although they were yet a full half mile away.
From The Eyes of the Woods A story of the Ancient Wilderness by Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler
He had been mixing on terms of equality with a class much above hers, he had been enlarging the scope of his observation, he had been deepening his experience.
From The Sailor by J. C. Snaith
