frown
verb (used without object)
to contract the brow, as in displeasure or deep thought; scowl.
had been frowning
-
past perfect progressiveof frown.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.
There were white hairs scattered among the red, and the skin across his forehead and at the corner of each eye was wrinkled as if he had been frowning for a long time.
From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko
Emily Brent's brow, which had been frowning perplexedly, cleared.
From "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie
Then, slowly, his face, which had been frowning and tense, changed and broke up.
From Potterism A Tragi-Farcical Tract by Dame Rose Macaulay
Crossing over, she took his arm with such pride and delight that Toby, who had been frowning as he greeted her, was almost appeased.
From Coquette by Frank Swinnerton
Immediately the face of the Nabob, that for a moment had been frowning, relaxed.
From The Nabob by W. Blaydes
