Crossword Genius

Something one could play by oneself (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apart

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

'something' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adverbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'one could play by oneself' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'one' could be 'a' (a thing is one thing) and 'a' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'part' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for apart that I've seen before include "away" , "First Christmas present from my love" , "Estranged - in pieces" , "In pieces; separate" , "out on a limb?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times.
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