The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word RATHER
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
A
T
H
E
R
More clues leading to the result RATHER
- A little sooner
- Articles framed by Republicans? I’ll say!
- Despicable type, that woman? I should say so
- Part of opera: The Ring? Quite
- Quite right — heart is fluttering
- Runs before 5, preferably
- Bishop pens articles more readily
- Quite right to have change of heart
- I’ll say part in opera
- Serious pest that woman? On the contrary
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "more readily" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case more readily = rather.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RATHER mean?
RATHER verb- To prefer; to prefer to.
- Prior; earlier; former.
- More quickly; sooner, earlier.
- Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)
- Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.
- Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)
- (degree) Somewhat, fairly.
- An enthusiastic affirmation.