Crossword Genius

Diminished in role as editor (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eased

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'diminished' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'in role as editor' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'EASED' is hidden in the letters of 'role as editor'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eased that I've seen before include "relented" , "Alleviated" , "Died down" , "Soothed - assuaged" , "Made less severe" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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