The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word TENDERLY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
T
E
N
D
E
R
L
Y
More clues leading to the result TENDERLY
- Sensitively keep ahead of time, leaving area
- Present lady, without publicity, in kind manner
- In loving way, making proposal, with lady taking no notice
- With nurse, rely on changing in a sensitive way
- Offer full pay, finally, in caring way
- With kindness, offer to meet learner before end of day
- Be inclined to rely, foolishly and lovingly
- Gently and extremely lovingly, pen a proposal at first
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "In loving way" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in loving way = tenderly.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 TENDERLY mean?
TENDERLY adverb- In a tender manner; gently; sweetly.