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
Thirsty plants were straightening their bowed stems—each leaf seemed to be drinking in through all its pores all the dewy freshness of the night.
From Mauprat by Stanley Young
She and Dorothy McClain were straightening their tent preparatory for inspection in the hour after breakfast.
From The Girl Scouts in Beechwood Forest by Margaret Vandercook
It will be dark by 8, and now at 6.45 it is high time we were straightening up our line, otherwise the forward positions will be enfiladed by night.
From The Incomparable 29th and the "River Clyde" by George Davidson
