smooth
adjective
free from projections or unevenness of surface; not rough.
had been smoothing
-
past perfect progressiveof smooth.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.
Thomas had been smoothing the tiny rough spots from the worn, ancient carvings and reshaping the infinitesimally small edges and curves.
From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry
Lancelot had been smoothing the panache of feathers which was used as a distinguishing mark on the helm in Uncle Dap’s hands.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
He turned up his eyes to her to smile his thanks, and then laid his cheek against the hand that had been smoothing his hair.
From Yussuf the Guide The Mountain Bandits; Strange Adventure in Asia Minor by John Schonberg
Laddie, who had been smoothing the sand in one corner of the pirate bungalow, now stopped and seemed to be thinking hard.
From Six Little Bunkers at Cousin Tom's by Laura Lee Hope
"And do you intend going back very soon?" asked Miss Sanderson, who had been smoothing out her gloves upon her knee.
From The Beautiful White Devil by Guy Newell Boothby
