know
verb (used with object)
to perceive or understand as fact or truth; to apprehend clearly and with certainty.
had been knowing
-
past perfect progressiveof know.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.
All his life he had been knowing that sooner or later something like this would come to him.
From "Native Son" by Richard Wright
Isaac Sutherland, her father, had been knowing in horse-flesh, and would have looked askance on the Reverend Orme Leighton as a suitor had he not also been knowing in men.
From Through stained glass by George Agnew Chamberlain
That was more effectual than the visit of the police had been, knowing as he did that threats were not in my line.
From Edgar Saltus: The Man by Marie Saltus
I did not care to tell him where I had been, knowing that he held my love for Ethelwynn as the possible ruin of my career.
From The Seven Secrets by William Le Queux
Patricia had been knowing it herself ever since she had realized that Tancredi was only keeping her for friendship's sake, and it had been almost too much to bear alone.
From Miss Pat at Artemis Lodge by Pemberton Ginther
