The Difference Between Stationary and Stationery Explained

Stationary vs. Stationery

Do you get confused between “stationary” and “stationery”? Don’t worry! Let’s learn the difference between these words.

History

“Stationary” comes from the word “station,” which means to stay in one place. “Stationery” comes from the word “stationer,” a person who sells paper and pens.

How to Use Them

“Stationary” means not moving. It describes something that stays still.

“Stationery” means writing materials like paper, pens, and envelopes.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember the “e” in “stationery” stands for “envelope.” If you think of envelopes, you will remember it is for writing stuff.

Example Sentences for “Stationary”

• The car is stationary at the red light.
• She sat stationary on the bench.
• The rock is stationary in the garden.
• The stars seem stationary in the night sky.
• The bike remained stationary in the rack.

Example Sentences for “Stationery”

• I bought some new stationery for school.
• She loves colorful stationery with designs.
• The store sells notebooks and other stationery.
• He wrote a letter using fancy stationery.
• My dad gave me a stationery set for my birthday.

Summary

“Stationary” means not moving. “Stationery” means paper and pens. To remember, think of “envelope” for “stationery”.