- Stationary means “fixed,” “immobile,” or “unchanging.”
- Stationery refers to paper, matching envelopes, and writing implements.
At a glance, stationary and stationery look very much alike. But they couldn’t be further apart in meaning and function. So confusing them—and they’re often confused—is a noticeable mistake.
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What Does Stationary Mean?
When something is fixed, immobile, or not subject to change, we can use the adjective stationary to describe it:
I don’t care much for the stationary
bike; I prefer riding a real one.
It stands in the square as a stationary
reminder of the march of history.
What Does Stationery Mean?
Stationery refers to the collection of papers, envelopes, and other things you’d use to write letters or cards:
The hotel offered complimentary stationery
to guests who wished to write letters.
She wanted to write a letter, but the drawer where she stored her stationery
was empty.
Examples
When you go to the gym and hop on the stationary
bike you’re literally spinning your wheels.
Is there a fate worse than having to host a pirate-themed stationary
cruise?
At the “Left & Write” stationery
store you can purchase a variety of unique and stylish cards that cater to the season and the occasion.
So how has Smiggle, the colourful, kid-friendly stationery
retailer founded in Melbourne 13 years ago, turned into a global powerhouse?
