apparent growth
noun phraseApparent growth is when something looks like it is getting bigger, even if it really is not.
The plant showed apparent growth after we moved it to a sunny window, but it was mostly just leaning toward the light.
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OTHER MEANINGS
2. In economics, an increase in a measured value that may be caused by inflation or accounting changes rather than real gains.
The company reported apparent growth in revenue, but after adjusting for inflation, sales were flat.
3. In biology, an increase in size that is due to water uptake or swelling rather than new tissue.
The seedling's apparent growth was mostly water swelling the cells, not new leaves forming.
4. A misleading impression that something is expanding when the change is only in how it is observed or measured.
The apparent growth of the crowd was just an effect of the camera angle.