Crossword Genius

Naturally bright or a bit slightly dark (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sunlit

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'naturally bright' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'a bit slightly dark' is the wordplay.
'a bit slightly' becomes 's' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'dark' becomes 'unlit' (similar in meaning).
's'+'unlit'='SUNLIT'

'or' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sunlit that I've seen before include "Unclouded" , "Insult (anag.)" , "enlightened by star" , "In full daylight" , "Illuminated by daylight" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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