Strange, but it can help make you cheerier (5)

I believe the answer is:

eerie

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

'strange' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'it can help make you cheerier' is the wordplay.
'EERIE' is hidden within the letters.
But, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eerie that I've seen before include "Unnerving" , "Spectral" , "Strange, unusual" , "Ghostly" , "Strange, frightening" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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