Crossword Genius

Dear old lover deep in thought (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

expensive

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

'old lover deep in thought' is the wordplay.
'old lover' becomes 'ex' (an ex-lover).
'deep in thought' becomes 'pensive' (I've seen this before).
'ex'+'pensive'='EXPENSIVE'

(Other definitions for expensive that I've seen before include "priceless" , "Highly-priced" , "not going for a song" , "Charging a lot" , "Very costly or dear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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