Crossword Genius

Dear lover no longer philosophical? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

expensive

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

'lover no longer philosophical?' is the wordplay.
'lover no longer' becomes 'ex' (ex-lover).
'philosophical?' becomes 'pensive' (both can mean thoughtful).
'ex'+'pensive'='EXPENSIVE'

(Other definitions for expensive that I've seen before include "Very costly or dear" , "Pricey" , "Costing a lot of money" , "not going for a song" , "High in price" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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