relent
verb (used without object)
to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; become more mild, compassionate, or forgiving.
was relenting
-
past progressiveof relent.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.
Despite White House denials, New Yorkers interpreted the Vice President's statement as meaning that Ford was relenting.
From Time Magazine Archive
She always said that when she was relenting.
From A Son of the City A Story of Boy Life by Seely, Herman Gastrell
She looked over her shoulder—then stopped; perhaps, poor thing, she thought he was relenting, and then she began to hurry back again.
From The House by the Church-Yard by Le Fanu, Joseph Sheridan
I knew he was relenting when he first asked me if I would like to hear him play.
From St. Cuthbert's by Knowles, Robert E.
Nature—perhaps she was relenting a little, perhaps she saw that humanity was sliding down the scale, withering, and a bit of extra sunshine would serve to check the descension and breed a little optimism.
From The Drums of Jeopardy by MacGrath, Harold
