devote
verb (used with object)
to give up or appropriate to or concentrate on a particular pursuit, occupation, purpose, cause, etc..
had been devoting
-
past perfect progressiveof devote.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.
Because Krush had been devoting more time to teaching than competing, many thought she would be the weak spot in the U.S. roster.
From New York Times ● May 27, 2020
Brad Figel, vice president of public affairs for Mars in North America, said the company had been devoting employees and resources to the new labels since they were finalized in 2016.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 13, 2017
She said she feared that she had been devoting “too much” attention to the labor battle.
From New York Times ● Aug. 10, 2014
George had been devoting himself to the boys, who did not seem to be at all afraid, and were by no means so excited as he was.
From George at the Fort Life Among the Soldiers by Harry Castlemon
For the last fortnight the five men forming the crew, with Madame Guillaume and Mademoiselle Virginie, had been devoting themselves to the hard labor, known as stock-taking.
From At the Sign of the Cat & Racket by Honoré de Balzac
