Why is “greater” in “greater influence” but “larger” in “a larger-than-expected fall”?

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А S

Jun 11, 2025 8:11 AM

Because great has two meanings. It means large and it means very good. Both meanings fit the first case. But one of the meanings clashes with the second case. Large is precise enough to be everything accurate and nothing inaccurate, for the second phrase. Great is deep enough to have a useful double meaning in the first case.

Jun 11, 2025 10:15 AM

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