Lovely girl outwardly competent (8)
I believe the answer is:
adorable
'lovely' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'girl outwardly competent' is the wordplay.
'girl' becomes 'Dora' (girl's name).
'outwardly' indicates putting letters inside (some letters go outside others).
'competent' becomes 'able' (similar in meaning).
'dora' put within 'able' is 'ADORABLE'.
(Other definitions for adorable that I've seen before include "Quite delightful, fit to be worshipped" , "Inspiring great affection" , "'Lovable, delightful (8)'" , "Very charming and attractive" , "Inspiring love" .)