The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word LIBERAL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
L
I
B
E
R
A
L
More clues leading to the result LIBERAL
- Seriously inaccurate stories about artist making free
- Defamatory words about artist being broad-minded
- Candid written accusation artist penned
- Generous translation of Braille
- Generous sprinkling of Braille
- Generous interpretation of braille
- Generous, serving brie all wrong
- Progressive artist involved in false reporting
- Generous UK politician of yesteryear?
- Generous party member …
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "free" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case free = liberal.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 LIBERAL mean?
LIBERAL noun- One with liberal views, supporting individual liberty (see Wikipedia's article on Liberalism).
- Someone left-wing; one with a left-wing ideology.
- A supporter of any of several liberal parties.
- One who favors individual voting rights, human and civil rights, and laissez-faire markets (also called "classical liberal"; compare libertarian).
- (now rare outside set phrases) Pertaining to those arts and sciences the study of which is considered to provide general knowledge, as opposed to vocational/occupational, technical or mechanical training.
- Generous; willing to give unsparingly.
- Ample, abundant; generous in quantity.
- Unrestrained, licentious.
- Widely open to new ideas, willing to depart from established opinions or conventions; permissive.
- Open to political or social changes and reforms associated with either classical or modern liberalism.