spare
verb (used with object)
to refrain from harming or destroying; leave uninjured; forbear to punish, hurt, or destroy.
had been sparing
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past perfect progressiveof spare.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.
As usual in his later work he had been sparing with orchestral effects, taken pains that voices should nearly everywhere prevail.
From Time Magazine Archive
After that first burst of confidence he had been sparing in his references to the trouble that had beset him.
From Macleod of Dare by William Black
She stooped to kiss the smooth cheek, where time had been sparing of wrinkles, and her mother drew her down for a closer caress.
From Joyce's Investments A Story for Girls by Fannie E. Newberry
Since his sheet-anchor had come home, Mr. Gradgrind had been sparing of speech.
From Hard Times by Charles Dickens
Hitherto he had been sparing of his movements, husbanding his strength against the long battle that seemed promised him.
From Saint Martin's Summer by Rafael Sabatini
