Stationary vs Stationery
What’s the difference between them?
Stationary
Meaning:
Not moving or changing position.
Examples:
1. The car remained stationary at the red traffic light until it turned green.
2. The ship was stationary in the harbor, waiting for the weather to improve before setting sail.
3. The statue in the park has stood stationary for decades, becoming a symbol of the town.
Stationery
Meaning:
Writing materials, such as paper, pens, and envelopes, used for correspondence.
Examples:
1. She purchased some beautiful stationery to write personalized thank-you notes.
2. The office supply store offers a wide variety of stationery items, from elegant pens to high-quality paper.
3. The bride and groom selected their wedding stationery, including invitations and place cards, to match the theme of their celebration.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Stationary
1. Immobile
2. Unmoving
3. Fixed
4. Stillness
1.Moving
2.Fluctuating
3.Dynamic
4.Mobile
5.In Motion
Stationery
1. Writing materials
2. Writing supplies
3. Office supplies
4. Paper products
5. Writing implements
1, Ephemera
2. Disposable items
3. Temporary materials
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Stationary", "Stationery".
1. Stationary: Remember that this word has two 'a's in it and means 'not moving' or 'unchanging'.
2. Stationery: Remember that this word has an 'e' in it and means 'supplies for writing, like paper and envelopes'.
3. When you are uncertain, think of the context in which the word is being used. If 'stationery' is referring to materials used for writing letters and correspondence, use the 'e' spelling. If it is referring to something not moving or changing, use the 'a' spelling.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should the word 'stationary' be used?
The word 'stationary' is used to describe something that is not in motion, or that is not changing position. It is most commonly used to describe a noun that is in a fixed or unmoving state.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'stationery'?
The word 'stationery' is used to refer to writing materials, such as paper, pens, and envelopes, used for correspondence. It is most commonly used to describe items that can be purchased in a stationary store.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words are not pronounced the same. The word 'stationary' is pronounced with a long ‘a’ sound, while the word 'stationery' is pronounced with a short ‘e’ sound.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake people make is using the wrong word to describe the two concepts. Additionally, people often confuse the two words due to their similar spelling. It is important to remember that stationary means not moving or changing position, while stationery refers to writing materials used for correspondence.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. I need to buy some new ___________ for my office.
2. She was standing ___________ in the corner of the room.
3. He kept all his ___________ in his desk drawer.
4. She wrote a letter with her ___________ set.
5. He was bored and just sat there ___________.
6. The children used the ___________ to draw pictures.
1. I need to buy some new stationery for my office.
Explanation: The word stationary refers to being fixed in one place and not moving, while the word stationery refers to paper and pens used for writing.
2. She was standing stationary in the corner of the room.
Explanation: The word stationary refers to being fixed in one place and not moving, while the word stationery refers to paper and pens used for writing.
3. He kept all his stationery in his desk drawer.
Explanation: The word stationery refers to paper and pens used for writing, which would be kept in a desk drawer.
4. She wrote a letter with her stationery set.
Explanation: The word stationery refers to paper and pens used for writing, which would be used to write a letter.
5. He was bored and just sat there stationary.
Explanation: The word stationary refers to being fixed in one place and not moving, which is how he was sitting there.
6. The children used the stationery to draw pictures.
Explanation: The word stationery refers to paper and pens used for writing, which could also be used to draw pictures.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.