approximate
adjective
near or approaching a certain state, condition, goal, or standard.
was approximating
-
past progressiveof approximate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Finding he was approximating this corps, he despatched a flag, saying he was at Barclay's with seven hundred men, and summoned them to surrender on the terms granted to the garrison in Charleston.
From A Sketch of the life of Brig. Gen. Francis Marion and a history of his brigade by William Dobein James
In Germany, however, the cantata at this time was approximating to its present form.
From The Standard Cantatas Their Stories, Their Music, and Their Composers by George P. (George Putnam) Upton
And though these were mere words, it was a somewhat formidable thing for Fitzpiers that her heart was approximating to a state in which it might be possible to carry them out.
From The Woodlanders by Thomas Hardy
