Crossword Genius

A seaman possibly loves to forgive (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

absolve

'to forgive' is the definition.
(I know that absolve is a more specific form of forgive)

'a seaman possibly loves' is the wordplay.
'a seaman' becomes 'ab' (short for able seaman).
'possibly' indicates anagramming the letters.
'loves' with letters rearranged gives 'solve'.
'ab'+'solve'='ABSOLVE'

(Other definitions for absolve that I've seen before include "Fully pardon" , "Exculpate" , "Discharge" , "Excuse" , "Declare to be free from blame" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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