purify
verb (used with object)
to make pure; free from anything that debases, pollutes, adulterates, or contaminates.
had been purifying
-
past perfect progressiveof purify.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.
Islamic State controls the water sanitation stations that had been purifying the city’s sewage before it reached the river.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 9, 2016
Whatever his frame of mind, he began now to study earnestly the works of Baccio, who, while he was seeking patronage in the palace, had been purifying his genius in the Church.
From Fra Bartolommeo by Kendrick, Flora
