Characteristic of forebears was apparent although somewhat overshadowed (8)
I believe the answer is:
parental
'characteristic of forebears' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'apparent although somewhat overshadowed' is the wordplay.
'overshadowed' says the answer is hidden in the clue (I've seen 'overshadows' mean this).
'PARENTAL' is hidden in the letters of 'apparent although somewhat'.
'was' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for parental that I've seen before include "like mum and dad" , "Relating to mother and father" , "of father, perhaps" , "of old man and woman" , "Of mother and/or father" .)