The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word KEENEST
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
K
E
E
N
E
S
T
More clues leading to the result KEENEST
- Most ardent laments in Shakespeare's time?
- Most enthusiastic
- Art crying out, being the most enthusiastic
- Extremely fine / art expressing grief?
- See Kent all out with extreme sharpness
- Most intent to eke out retreat
- Superlatively enthusiastic doctor set knee
- Most devoted in what sounds like important home
- Most enthusiastic expression of surprise over cosy retreat
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Most ardent" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case most ardent = keenest.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 KEENEST mean?
KEENEST adjective- Often with a prepositional phrase, or with to and an infinitive: showing a quick and ardent responsiveness or willingness; eager, enthusiastic, interested.
- Fierce, intense, vehement.
- Having a fine edge or point; sharp.
- Acute of mind, having or expressing mental acuteness; penetrating, sharp.
- Acrimonious, bitter, piercing.
- Of cold, wind, etc.: cutting, penetrating, piercing, sharp.
- Of prices, extremely low as to be competitive.
- Marvelous.
- Brave, courageous; audacious, bold.