Stationary vs. Stationery: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on November 16, 2023
Stationary refers to something that is not moving. Stationery pertains to writing and office supplies.
Key Differences
Stationary and Stationery, although phonetically similar, bear different meanings and applications. Stationary is an adjective that describes something which is not in motion, or something that remains in a fixed position. On the contrary, Stationery is a noun, referring to writing materials, such as pens, pencils, paper, and other office-related supplies.
When looking at Stationary, it pertains to stillness or lack of movement. For instance, a car parked on the street or a person standing still in a queue would be described as stationary. This term can be used in various contexts, from physical objects to more abstract concepts, as long as the focus is on the absence of movement or change. Stationery, in contrast, encompasses items commonly used in an office or for writing. It's a term often associated with school supplies, letterheads, and similar materials.
Additionally, Stationary's usage is vast, stretching across numerous fields. In physics, for example, a "stationary wave" is one that does not appear to be traveling. Meanwhile, Stationery primarily finds its place in discussions about office supplies, academic settings, or writing. It's a term familiar to those in educational or administrative settings.
In essence, while Stationary revolves around the concept of stillness or remaining unchanged, Stationery deals with items related to writing and office tasks. Their similarity in pronunciation often leads to confusion, but their meanings and applications are distinctly separate.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun
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Meaning
Not moving or not changing
Writing and office supplies
Examples
Fixed objects, unchanged conditions
Pens, paper, envelopes
Application
Describes stillness or absence of movement
Refers to items used for writing or in an office
Field of Use
General, Physics, Mathematics
Office, School, Retail
Stationary and Stationery Definitions
Stationary
Not progressing or regressing.
The company's profits have been stationary this quarter.
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Stationery
Office supplies.
The store offers a discount on stationery during back-to-school season.
Stationary
Unchanged in condition.
His health has been stationary for the past few months.
Stationery
Writing materials.
She purchased some stationery for her new office desk.
Stationary
Fixed in a place or position.
The stationary bike in the gym is her favorite equipment.
Stationery
Products associated with written communication.
The stationery store in town has an exquisite collection of fountain pens.
Stationary
Lacking movement or development.
The project seems to be in a stationary phase with no advancements.
Stationery
Materials used for correspondence.
He chose the finest stationery for his wedding invitations.
Stationary
Not moving.
Stationery
Paper goods and writing implements.
The artist had a drawer filled with colorful stationery.
Stationary
Not capable of being moved; fixed.
Stationery
Writing paper and envelopes.
Stationary
Unchanging
A stationary sound.
Stationery
Writing materials and office supplies.
Stationary
One that is stationary.
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
Not moving.
The train remained stationary for a few moments, before lurching forward along the track.
Stationery
The articles usually sold by stationers, as paper, pens, ink, quills, blank books, etc.
Stationary
Incapable of being moved
Stationery
Belonging to, or sold by, a stationer.
Stationary
Unchanging
Stationery
Paper cut to an appropriate size for writing letters; usually with matching envelopes
Stationary
One who, or that which, is stationary, such as a planet when apparently it has neither progressive nor retrograde motion.
Stationary
Misspelling of stationery
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
FAQs
Which one relates to a car not moving?
Stationary.
Does Stationery only refer to paper?
No, it includes various writing and office supplies.
What can be found in a stationery store?
Writing and office supplies like pens, paper, and notebooks.
Can Stationary describe an unchanged situation?
Yes, it can describe something not progressing or changing.
Are envelopes considered stationery?
Yes, envelopes are a type of stationery.
Is a "stationary bike" a type of writing tool?
No, it's an exercise equipment that remains fixed in place.
Does Stationary have a noun form?
No, Stationary is primarily an adjective.
Are Stationary and Stationery interchangeable?
No, Stationary means not moving, and Stationery refers to writing supplies.
Are printers a part of stationery?
Generally, stationery refers to consumable office supplies, but printers can be part of a broader definition.
Can a person be described as stationary?
Yes, if they are not moving or standing still.
Can one say "stationery bike"?
No, the correct term is "stationary bike."
Are pens and pencils stationery items?
Yes, both are common stationery items.
Can a situation or condition be described as stationary?
Yes, it means the situation or condition isn't changing.
Do all offices require stationery?
Most offices use some form of stationery, but the specifics vary.
Is Stationery related to stationary in origin?
Their etymologies are related but have diverged in meaning over time.
Are clipboards considered stationery?
Yes, clipboards are a type of stationery.
Can stationary refer to a stagnant economy?
Yes, it can describe an economy that's not growing or shrinking.
Can you describe a train at rest as stationary?
Yes, a train at rest is stationary.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
