retain
verb (used with object)
to keep possession of.
had been retaining
-
past perfect progressiveof retain.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.
Pete, who had been retaining his breath for some moments, uttered a faint exclamation full of relief.
From Nic Revel A White Slave's Adventures in Alligator Land by William H. C. Groome
