In a way, silly (5)

I believe the answer is:

inane

'silly' is the definition.
(inane means silly or foolish)

'in a way' is the wordplay.
'a' becomes 'an'.
'way' becomes 'e' (Compass direction - East).
'in'+'an'+'e'='INANE'

(Other definitions for inane that I've seen before include "Devoid of intelligence" , "Stupid and silly" , "Witless and pointless" , "Foolish, silly" , "Delirious" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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