Crossword Genius

Decline in large European city (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lessen

'decline' is the definition.
(I know that decline is a more specific form of the action lessen)

'large european city' is the wordplay.
'large' becomes 'L' (eg in clothes sizes).
'european city' becomes 'Essen' (city in Germany).
'l'+'essen'='LESSEN'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for lessen that I've seen before include "Make fewer in number" , "Lower" , "Make smaller or fewer" , "Make smaller for lenses" , "Cut back or diminish" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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