Crossword Genius

By a thumping good score? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beaten

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a thumping good score?' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'by' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'by' could be 'at' and 'at' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'been' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beaten that I've seen before include "Stuffed" , "Well used" , "Formed or made thin by hammering" , "Defeated or hit repeatedly" , "Conquered" .)

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