had been pitying
- past perfect progressive of pity.
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.
I had been pitying myself for not having books to read, and now I saw children who had never read a book.
From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright
He had been pitying him because he was obliged to leave his home, to live with his uncle among strangers; and now he himself was to have just such an experience.
From The Bobbin Boy or, How Nat Got His learning by Thayer, William M. (William Makepeace)
While Rosamund was speaking he had been pitying Guy.
From In the Wilderness by Hichens, Robert Smythe
To every one's astonishment the blood began to flow again in the veins of the once invincible chief, and those who had been pitying the young medicine man began to congratulate him on his triumph.
"No, my dawtie, it's true," he told her, and if he had been pitying himself a little, there was an end of that now.
From Sentimental Tommy The Story of His Boyhood by Barrie, J. M. (James Matthew)
