Liveliness and sixth sense slowing (6)

I believe the answer is:

esprit

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'liveliness' is the definition.
(I know that esprit is a type of liveliness)

'sixth sense slowing' is the wordplay.
'sixth sense' becomes 'esp' (extra-sensory perception).
'slowing' becomes 'rit' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'esp'+'rit'='ESPRIT'

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for esprit that I've seen before include "... de corps, team spirit" , "wit from France" , "Sprightliness" , "French morale as in de corps?" , "Liveliness of mind or spirit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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