“Stationary” and “stationery” are homophones, meaning they sound the same but have different meanings. “Stationary” refers to something that is not moving, while “stationery” refers to paper and other writing materials. Knowing the difference between these two can help avoid confusion in writing.
Stationary
Definition:
“Stationary” means not moving or staying in one place. It can refer to objects, vehicles, or people that are fixed or immobile.
Examples:
The traffic was completely stationary during the rush hour.
Stationary bikes offer a great cardio lower-body workout.
The planets seem stationary to the naked eye, but they are constantly moving.
Stationery
Definition:
“Stationery” refers to writing materials, such as paper, envelopes, and other office supplies used for letter writing or correspondence.
Examples:
She bought beautiful personalized stationery for her wedding invitations.
The company’s stationery features a logo at the top of each page.
Writing letters on high-quality stationery adds a personal touch.
“Stationary” means to be unmoving or fixed in place, while “stationery” refers to paper and writing supplies. Though they sound the same, remembering that “stationery” has an “e” like “envelope” can help you distinguish the two.
