smoulder
verb (used without object)
had been smouldering
-
past perfect progressiveof smoulder.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.
Recently, a fire had been smouldering in the silos for weeks, which officials said was the result of summer heat igniting fermenting grain left rotting.
From Reuters ● Aug. 23, 2022
The shooting down of the plane has exposed deep and bitter disagreements over Syria that had been smouldering for some time.
From Economist ● Dec. 3, 2015
A load on a lorry on board a train, en route from the UK to France, had been "smouldering", a Eurotunnel source said.
From BBC ● Jan. 17, 2015
After a brief examination he sat down and resumed a very bad cigar, which had been smouldering between his carefully kept fingers.
From The Maids of Paradise by Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers
All the strong and passionate love which had been smouldering there, beneath the ashes of sullen pride, struggling for vent, heaved the bosom where it was concealed.
From Helen and Arthur or, Miss Thusa's Spinning Wheel by Caroline Lee Hentz
