Where the difference between the past and present is great? (7)

I believe the answer is:

intense

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'is great?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for intense that I've seen before include "Feeling deeply" , "Strong in quality or degree - perhaps a feeling" , "Extremely earnest or serious" , "In an extreme degree" , "Showing strong feelings or opinions" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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