Crossword Genius

Somewhat powerless to embrace retreat in an enthusiastic manner (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ardently

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

'somewhat powerless to embrace retreat' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'an enthusiastic manner' is the wordplay.
'an enthusiastic' becomes 'ardent' (I've seen this before).
'manner' becomes 'ly' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ardent'+'ly'='ARDENTLY'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ardently that I've seen before include "with zeal" , "In a very passionate way" , "With passion" , "full of enthusiasm?" , "Passionately" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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