straighten
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become straight in direction, form, position, character, conduct, condition, etc. (often followed by up orout ).
were straightening
-
past progressiveof straighten.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.
When the next huddle broke up, Tsouderos was back in the driver's seat and all the members were straightening their ties.
From Time Magazine Archive
The guardians were straightening their papers and collecting their books and belongings.
From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry
I was never a man of war like you, and so I had to bide at home while you and your like were straightening out the troubles.
From Prester John by John Buchan
Mr. Sparling took off his hat and wiped the perspiration from his forehead, while Phil stood off calmly surveying the men who were straightening the wagon, but with more caution than they had exercised before.
From The Circus Boys on the Flying Rings : or, Making the Start in the Sawdust Life by Edgar B. P. Darlington
Two scrubbing-women were straightening the chairs, their backs turned to her.
From A Reversion To Type by Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon
