harden
verb (used with object)
to make hard or harder.
had been hardening
-
past perfect progressiveof harden.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.
And meanwhile, Jeanne-Marie, in the room below, had been hardening her heart against the child after her own fashion.
From My Little Lady by Eleanor Frances Poynter
John's face had been hardening down into a firm, decided look, while Lillie, stroking his whiskers and playing with his collar, went on with this address.
From Pink and White Tyranny A Society Novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Joseph had been hardening himself to lead a solitary life in Egypt, and it is with all this strong self-sufficiency breaking down within him that he eyes his brethren.
From The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Genesis by Marcus Dods
But by and by the inward heat began to thaw the stiff outward crust, which had been hardening for so many years.
From Idolatry A Romance by Julian Hawthorne
His face had been hardening during this amazing speech.
From The Bandbox by Louis Joseph Vance
