ripen
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become ripe.
had been ripening
-
past perfect progressiveof ripen.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.
One night I ignored the butcher’s feast path and went off-road so I could try some sirloin that had been ripening downstairs for 138 days.
From New York Times ● Nov. 14, 2017
Once in office, he swiftly began executing a broad diplomatic design that had been ripening in his mind for years.
From Time Magazine Archive
On the contrary, the conditions for its acceptance had been ripening fast.
From Edison, His Life and Inventions by Frank Lewis Dyer
With a civilization which had been ripening for centuries under Oriental skies,—rich in wisdom, learning, culture, science, and in art,—they had come into Europe, infidels though they were, to build up and not to destroy.
From A Short History of Spain by Mary Platt Parmele
His illness had been ripening him to this possibility of loss and suffering.
From Warlock o' Glenwarlock by George MacDonald
