Stationary vs. Stationery: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
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.
Janet White
Nov 15, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Application
Describes stillness or absence of movement
Refers to items used for writing or in an office
Janet White
Nov 15, 2023
Stationary and Stationery Definitions
Stationary
Not progressing or regressing.
The company's profits have been stationary this quarter.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
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Stationery
Office supplies.
The store offers a discount on stationery during back-to-school season.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
Stationary
Unchanged in condition.
His health has been stationary for the past few months.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Stationery
Writing materials.
She purchased some stationery for her new office desk.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023
Stationary
Fixed in a place or position.
The stationary bike in the gym is her favorite equipment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Stationery
Products associated with written communication.
The stationery store in town has an exquisite collection of fountain pens.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
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Stationary
Lacking movement or development.
The project seems to be in a stationary phase with no advancements.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
Stationery
Materials used for correspondence.
He chose the finest stationery for his wedding invitations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Stationery
Paper goods and writing implements.
The artist had a drawer filled with colorful stationery.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Stationary
Not moving.
The train remained stationary for a few moments, before lurching forward along the track.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Stationery
The articles usually sold by stationers, as paper, pens, ink, quills, blank books, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Stationery
Paper cut to an appropriate size for writing letters; usually with matching envelopes
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Stationary
One who, or that which, is stationary, such as a planet when apparently it has neither progressive nor retrograde motion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Stationary
Not moving; not appearing to move; stable; fixed.
Charles Wesley, who is a more stationary man, does not believe the story.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Stationary
Not improving or getting worse; not growing wiser, greater, better, more excellent, or the contrary.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Stationary
Appearing to be at rest, because moving in the line of vision; not progressive or retrograde, as a planet.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Stationary
One who, or that which, is stationary, as a planet when apparently it has neither progressive nor retrograde motion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Stationary
Standing still;
The car remained stationary with the engine running
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Does Stationery only refer to paper?
No, it includes various writing and office supplies.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
What can be found in a stationery store?
Writing and office supplies like pens, paper, and notebooks.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Can Stationary describe an unchanged situation?
Yes, it can describe something not progressing or changing.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 15, 2023
Is a "stationary bike" a type of writing tool?
No, it's an exercise equipment that remains fixed in place.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Are Stationary and Stationery interchangeable?
No, Stationary means not moving, and Stationery refers to writing supplies.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Are printers a part of stationery?
Generally, stationery refers to consumable office supplies, but printers can be part of a broader definition.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Can a person be described as stationary?
Yes, if they are not moving or standing still.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Can a situation or condition be described as stationary?
Yes, it means the situation or condition isn't changing.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Do all offices require stationery?
Most offices use some form of stationery, but the specifics vary.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Is Stationery related to stationary in origin?
Their etymologies are related but have diverged in meaning over time.
Janet White
Nov 15, 2023
Are clipboards considered stationery?
Yes, clipboards are a type of stationery.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 15, 2023
Can stationary refer to a stagnant economy?
Yes, it can describe an economy that's not growing or shrinking.
Janet White
Nov 15, 2023
Can you describe a train at rest as stationary?
Yes, a train at rest is stationary.
Harlon Moss
Nov 15, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
