Sound-alike words
Stationary vs. Stationery
Stationary is an adjective meaning not moving, as in a stationary bike. Stationery is a noun for writing paper, envelopes and other office supplies. The two words sound exactly the same.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| stationary | adjective | not moving, or not changing in position or amount |
| stationery | noun | writing paper and envelopes, and often other office supplies such as pens and cards |
Stationary
adjective: not moving, or not changing in position or amount
- Ride the stationary bike for twenty minutes to warm up.
- Traffic was stationary for an hour after the snowstorm.
Stationery
noun: writing paper and envelopes, and often other office supplies such as pens and cards
- Maya bought new stationery to write thank-you notes.
- The hotel desk had stationery printed with the hotel's name.
How to remember the difference
Stationery with an E is for envelopes and letters. Stationary with an A means the car is parked: it stays at rest.
Good to know
Both words go back to a Latin word for standing still. Medieval booksellers who sold paper worked from fixed shops, or stations, and became known as stationers, which gave us stationery.
Spot the mistake
Please stay
stationerystationary while the nurse takes your blood pressure.Correct: Please stay stationary while the nurse takes your blood pressure.
The office is running low on
stationarystationery and printer ink.Correct: The office is running low on stationery and printer ink.
Check yourself
Pick the word that fits each sentence.
1. The store sells pretty for wedding invitations.
Answer: stationery. This means writing paper and cards, so it is stationery with an E.
2. The carousel stayed while workers fixed the motor.
Answer: stationary. The carousel is not moving, so the adjective is stationary.