Understands Conservative in new aspect (7)
I believe the answer is:
accepts
'understands' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'conservative in new aspect' is the wordplay.
'conservative' becomes 'C' (UK political abbreviation).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'new' indicates anagramming the letters.
'aspect' anagrammed gives 'acepts'.
'c' placed within 'acepts' is 'ACCEPTS'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for accepts that I've seen before include "Takes; approves" , "Takes on board" , "Admits" , "Believes" , "Consents to receive" .)