Crossword Genius

Host ate lychee, adopting dignified appearance (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stately

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

'dignified appearance' is the definition.
'stately' can be an answer for 'dignified' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'appearance' bit.

'host ate lychee adopting' is the wordplay.
'adopting' indicates a hidden word (I've seen 'adopts' mean this (the answer has been adopted by the clue)).
'STATELY' can be found hidden inside 'host ate lychee'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stately that I've seen before include "` `In Xanadu did Kubla Khan / A ....... pleasure-dome decree' ' (Coleridge)" , "Impressive in manner" , "August" , "Impressive in appearance; majestic" , "Formal; type of home" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.