Crossword Genius

Friend with elevated manner and inclination to be unspiritual type? (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

materialist

'be unspiritual type?' is the definition.
(someone interested in material things)

'friend with elevated manner and inclination' is the wordplay.
'friend' becomes 'mate' (mate is a kind of friend).
'with elevated manner' becomes 'ria' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'inclination' becomes 'list' (list can mean to tilt, lean or incline).
'mate'+'ria'+'list'='MATERIALIST'

'to' is the link.

(Another definition for materialist that I've seen is " not caring for the spiritual life?".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app