It's comparatively easy to smile about a novice (7)
I believe the answer is:
simpler
'it's comparatively easy' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'smile about a novice' is the wordplay.
'smile' becomes 'simper' (simpering is a kind of smiling).
'about' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'a novice' becomes 'L' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car).
'simper' enclosing 'l' is 'SIMPLER'.
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for simpler that I've seen before include "Less complicated or complex" , "More easy" , "Easier" , "That wasn't so hard!)" .)