encourage
verb (used with object)
to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence.
had been encouraging
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past perfect progressiveof encourage.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.
Mr Bailey said there had been "encouraging news" on inflation, currently at 3.2%, but said it needed "more evidence" it would stay low before cutting rates.
From BBC ● May 9, 2024
In a briefing with analysts, Susan Galbraith, executive vice president of oncology R&D, said the FDA response to the data so far had been "encouraging".
From Reuters ● Jul. 28, 2023
Dettori said Bob Baffert and Simon Callaghan had been encouraging him to come over for years.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 25, 2022
The Welsh government said it had been encouraging people to vote.
From BBC ● Apr. 17, 2022
Candice’s mother had been encouraging her to walk over and introduce herself to the boy, but Candice hadn’t seen the point.
From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson
