What does the cryptic crossword clue "Long for former lover? It evens out (9)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. EX (synonym="‘former lover’") + TENSIVE (synonym="TENSIVE") = EXTENSIVE The answer is EXTENSIVE.

Long for former lover? It evens out (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29514 | 15 Down | 2024-10-15 flower