inspire
verb (used with object)
to fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence.
had been inspiring
-
past perfect progressiveof inspire.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.
Head of natural environment, Guy Thallon, said reintroducing animals had been "inspiring for the whole Castle Howard team and beyond", with further plans to release beavers in the autumn.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
She also mentioned several filmmakers who had been inspiring to her: Michelangelo Antonioni, Wong Kar-wai, Bob Fosse and Jean-Luc Godard.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 26, 2024
She added that their phone conversations had been inspiring because he was thinking about his life more intensely and that she had never seen him so happy — except on their wedding day.
From New York Times ● May 8, 2020
The response from locals had been inspiring, he said.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 3, 2017
The meeting with the family had been inspiring.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
