ripen
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become ripe.
has been ripening
-
present perfect progressiveof ripen (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
In 1999, Bolten organized a series of day-long briefings from an array of G.O.P. policy All-Stars, and he has been ripening the fruit of those sessions ever since.
From Time Magazine Archive
I felt a little exhilarated at the prospect of plucking a fruit that has been ripening for fifty years, that's all.
From Bred in the Bone by James Payn
We are reaping a harvest which has been ripening for a century past.
From Native Races and the War by Josephine E. (Josephine Elizabeth Grey) Butler
My dear Miss Marvin,—After much hesitation I have decided to commit to writing a proposal which has been ripening in my mind during our three months' acquaintance.
From Shining Ferry by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
In him awoke that instinct which, without itself perceiving the end on which it is bent, clears the way for the civilization that has been ripening in old-world hot-houses during a thousand years.
From The Blazed Trail by Stewart Edward White
