- 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.
Forbes
Is there a fate worse than having to host a pirate-themed stationary
cruise?
A.V. Club
At the “Left & Write” stationery
store you can purchase a variety of unique and stylish cards that cater to the season and the occasion.
The Review
So how has Smiggle, the colourful, kid-friendly stationery
retailer founded in Melbourne 13 years ago, turned into a global powerhouse?
NEWS
