Crossword Genius

How an aircraft may rise, barely avoiding a spire? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

steeply

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'how' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adverbs. Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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