Stationery vs. Stationary — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
Stationery refers to writing materials; Stationary means not moving or unchanging in position.
Difference Between Stationery and Stationary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
1.
Stationery refers to writing materials; Stationary means not moving or unchanging in position.
2.
Stationery and Stationary are homophones in English, meaning they sound alike but have different meanings. Stationery is a noun that encompasses writing and office supplies, such as pens, paper, and envelopes. On the flip side, Stationary is an adjective that denotes something that isn't moving or remains in a fixed position.
When you visit a store to buy notebooks or letterhead, you are looking for stationery items. These are essential tools for offices, schools, and personal use. In contrast, if you see a car parked without moving, it's stationary. This term, Stationary, is used in various contexts to describe things that remain static or unchanged.
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One easy way to remember the difference between Stationery and Stationary is to recall the 'e' in Stationery for 'envelope,' a common writing material. Conversely, the 'a' in Stationary can remind one of 'at a standstill,' denoting the immobility of something.
While both words have distinct meanings, their similar pronunciation often leads to confusion. Stationery has its roots in the Latin word "stationarius," which referred to a bookseller, while Stationary comes from "stationarius" meaning "standing still."
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective
Meaning
Writing materials
Not moving or fixed in position
Usage Example
Pens, paper, envelopes
A parked car
Memory Aid
'E' for envelope
'A' for at a standstill
Origin
From Latin "stationarius" (bookseller)
From Latin "stationarius" (standing still)
Compare with Definitions
Stationery
Items related to written correspondence.
He chose the finest stationery for his thank-you notes.
Stationary
Fixed in one place.
The statue has been stationary for centuries.
Stationery
Paper goods for communication.
The wedding stationery was elegantly designed.
Stationary
Lacking movement or change.
The view remained stationary as we looked out of the window.
Stationery
Products sold by a stationer.
This stationery store has everything from pens to planners.
Stationary
Unchanging in condition or position.
Prices have been stationary for the past few months.
Stationery
Materials used for writing.
Her desk was filled with colorful stationery.
Stationary
Not progressing or developing.
His career seems to be stationary, with no advancements.
Stationery
Stationery is a mass noun referring to commercially manufactured writing materials, including cut paper, envelopes, writing implements, continuous form paper, and other office supplies. Stationery includes materials to be written on by hand (e.g., letter paper) or by equipment such as computer printers.
Stationary
Not moving or not intended to be moved
A car collided with a stationary vehicle
Stationery
Writing and other office materials
A range of stationery
A stationery supplier
Stationary
Not moving.
Stationery
Writing paper and envelopes.
Stationary
Not capable of being moved; fixed.
Stationery
Writing materials and office supplies.
Stationary
Unchanging
A stationary sound.
Stationery
Writing materials, envelopes, office materials.
When the school year finished, he put all of his stationery away in the loft, as he would have no need for pencils and exercise books during the holidays.
We can pick up more paper and pens at the stationery store.
Stationary
One that is stationary.
Stationery
The articles usually sold by stationers, as paper, pens, ink, quills, blank books, etc.
Stationary
Not moving.
The train remained stationary for a few moments, before lurching forward along the track.
Stationery
Belonging to, or sold by, a stationer.
Stationary
Incapable of being moved
Stationery
Paper cut to an appropriate size for writing letters; usually with matching envelopes
Stationary
Unchanging
Stationery
Office supplies.
The company ordered stationery in bulk.
Stationary
One who, or that which, is stationary, such as a planet when apparently it has neither progressive nor retrograde motion.
Stationary
Not moving; not appearing to move; stable; fixed.
Charles Wesley, who is a more stationary man, does not believe the story.
Stationary
Not improving or getting worse; not growing wiser, greater, better, more excellent, or the contrary.
Stationary
Appearing to be at rest, because moving in the line of vision; not progressive or retrograde, as a planet.
Stationary
One who, or that which, is stationary, as a planet when apparently it has neither progressive nor retrograde motion.
Stationary
Standing still;
The car remained stationary with the engine running
Stationary
Not capable of being moved;
Stationary machinery
Common Curiosities
Does Stationary have anything to do with writing?
No, Stationary relates to immobility, while Stationery is about writing supplies.
Can Stationary be used as a noun?
Typically, Stationary is an adjective, while Stationery is a noun.
How can I remember the difference between the two?
Recall the 'e' in Stationery for 'envelope' and the 'a' in Stationary for 'at a standstill.'
Would a pen be called Stationary?
No, a pen is a piece of Stationery. If it's not moving, then it's Stationary.
Why are Stationery and Stationary often confused?
They are homophones, sounding alike but having different meanings.
What products can be found in a Stationery store?
Items like paper, pens, envelopes, and notebooks, among others.
What does Stationery refer to?
Stationery relates to writing materials and office supplies, like paper and pens.
How is Stationary defined?
Stationary describes something not moving or fixed in position.
Is Stationery used to describe a non-moving object?
No, that would be Stationary. Stationery pertains to writing materials.
What's the origin of Stationery?
It derives from the Latin "stationarius," referring to a bookseller.
And the origin of Stationary?
It comes from the Latin "stationarius," meaning "standing still."
Is a parked car Stationery or Stationary?
A parked car is Stationary, as it's not moving.
Can Stationery refer to electronic materials?
Traditionally, it's paper goods, but in modern contexts, it might extend to digital writing tools.
Can I describe a fixed attitude as Stationery?
No, for attitudes or situations that don't change, use Stationary.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
