relate
verb (used with object)
to tell; give an account of (an event, circumstance, etc.).
had been relating
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past perfect progressiveof relate.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.
While Aunt Olive had been relating this odd story, John Hanks, a cousin of the Lincolns, had come quietly to the door, and entered and sat down beside the Tunker.
From In The Boyhood of Lincoln A Tale of the Tunker Schoolmaster and the Times of Black Hawk by Butterworth, Hezekiah
It was evident that the youthful warrior had been relating a vivid account of his exploits.
From White Otter by Gregor, Elmer Russell
We had entered the Grand Canal while Von Rosenau had been relating his love-tale, and some minutes before he had lowered his sail and taken to the oars.
From Stories By English Authors: Italy (Selected by Scribners) by Oliphant, Laurence
One day he had been relating to his wife my story of the Constant Tin Soldier, and, whilst he said that I was the author of this story, he introduced me to her.
From True Story of My Life by Howitt, Mary (Mary Botham)
He had been relating a thrilling adventure with a man-eating tiger.
From Weighed and Wanting by MacDonald, George
