Smarter conversation absorbing Independent (7)

I believe the answer is:

nattier

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'smarter' is the definition.
(natty can mean smart or stylish)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nattier that I've seen before include "Like the smarter set" , "Smarter and more fashionable" , "More clever" , "less scruffy" , "Louis XV court painter; more dapper" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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