Crossword Genius

Popular as starter for dinner (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

liked

'popular' is the definition.
(popular means well-liked)

'as starter for dinner' is the wordplay.
'as' becomes 'like' (I've seen this in other clues).
'starter for' suggests taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'dinner' is 'd'.
'like'+'d'='LIKED'

(Other definitions for liked that I've seen before include "Appreciated" , "Enjoyed - popular" , "Took pleasure in" , "Was fond of" .)

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