Comparative form of 'big'; larger in size, amount, extent, or intensity than something else. Used to indicate greater magnitude or importance.
From Middle English 'big' of uncertain origin, possibly from a Scandinavian source meaning 'important man'. The comparative suffix '-er' was added following standard English patterns. 'Big' itself is relatively recent in English, becoming common only in the 14th century.
Before 'big', English speakers used 'great' or 'large' - 'big' was originally slang! It's fascinating that such a basic concept word has mysterious origins, unlike most size words which trace clearly back to Proto-Indo-European roots.
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