Crossword Genius

Fresher environment reportedly (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

airier

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'fresher' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are comparative adjectives. Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for airier that I've seen before include "More spacious and better ventilated" , "More dismissive" , "Breezier" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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