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 Kit, who had been frowning fiercely over the ball dress, looked up at him with astonished blue eyes.
From Herb of Grace by Rosa Nouchette Carey
Immediately the face of the Nabob, that for a moment had been frowning, relaxed.
From The Nabob by W. Blaydes
Although he had been frowning with vexation, some touch of compunction had held him silent.
From The Thrall of Leif the Lucky A Story of Viking Days by Ottilie A. (Ottilia Adelina) Liljencrantz
