devise
verb (used with object)
to contrive, plan, or elaborate; invent from existing principles or ideas.
had been devising
-
past perfect progressiveof devise.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.
We had been devising a strategy to somehow save this thing, but after this report, it's all over.
From Time Magazine Archive
The private sector was hit less hard because many of the city's corporations had been devising emergency plans for weeks.
From Time Magazine Archive
Mother had been devising a series of job aptitude tests, and the desk by her bed was piled with pamphlets and magazines on psychology.
From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
Janet, having therefore leisure, proceeded at once with joy to the construction of a garment she had been devising for him.
From Sir Gibbie by George MacDonald
When I came near the place, as I had been devising, I said, Pray step to the gardener, and ask him to gather a sallad for me to dinner.
From Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson
