Confusable words

stationary vs stationery: what's the difference?

stationary
adjective
vs
stationery
noun
? ?

Stationary and stationery are pronounced the same, so this one is purely about remembering which spelling goes with which meaning.

Stationary

adjective

Stationary means not moving, staying in one place.

  • The car remained stationary at the red light.
  • He rides a stationary bike at the gym.

Stationery

noun

Stationery refers to writing materials, like paper, pens, and envelopes.

  • She bought some nice stationery for writing letters.
  • The office ordered new stationery for the reception desk.

Side by side

stationary stationery
Meaning Not moving Paper, pens, and writing supplies
Part of speech Adjective Noun
Memory trick stationAry, like stAying still stationEry, like paper and pEns

Quick rule

Stationary means staying still, like the A in stAtionary and stAying. Stationery is paper and pens, like the E in stationEry and pEns.

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