Crossword Genius

Gradually develop passion for climbing: very English! (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

evolve

'gradually develop' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'passion for climbing very english' is the wordplay.
'passion' becomes 'love' ('love' can be a synonym of 'passion'**).
'for climbing' says the letters should be written in reverse (in a down clue, letters climb up).
'very' becomes 'v' (abbreviation).
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'love' back-to-front is 'evol'.
'evol'+'v'+'e'='EVOLVE'

(Other definitions for evolve that I've seen before include "Develop slowly" , "Unfold" , "Change gradually to present condition" , "Cartoon sailor" , "Develop or change very gradually (6)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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