Attractive in a smaller way? (4)

I believe the answer is:

cute

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'attractive' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'smaller way?' is the wordplay.
'smaller' becomes 'cut' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'way?' becomes 'e' (Compass direction - East).
'cut'+'e'='CUTE'

'in a' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cute that I've seen before include "Attractive or ingenious" , "Shrewd" , "Precious" , "Delightfully pretty or dainty" , "Fly" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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