Stationary vs. Stationery: Understanding the Difference

Stationary vs. Stationery: the Definition

What Does Stationary Mean?

Stationary refers to something that is not moving or not intended to be moved. It is an adjective. For instance, we might say:

• The car remained stationary despite the green light.
• Our store has been in a stationary location for over a decade.

What Does Stationery Mean?

On the other hand, stationery relates to the materials used for writing, like paper, envelopes, and sometimes accompanying items like pens or pencils. It is a noun. Here are examples:

• We selected beautiful stationery for our wedding invitations.
• The office orders stationery every month to replenish supplies.

Stationary vs. Stationery: Usage and Examples

When we write, it’s easy to mix up similar-sounding words like “stationary” and “stationery.” However, they carry distinct meanings.

Stationary describes something that is not in motion. It can apply to objects that are fixed in place or situations that remain unchanged.

Examples:

• We watched the birds while remaining stationary.
• The art installation is designed to appear different from every angle, even though it’s stationary.

In contrast, stationery refers to writing materials, such as paper, envelopes, and sometimes writing utensils.

Examples:

• We picked out elegant stationery for our wedding invitations.
• Personalized stationery makes for a thoughtful gift.

Here’s a quick reference table to clarify further:

Tips to Remember the Difference

• Stationary with an “a” stands for “at a standstill”.
• Stationery with an “e” is reminiscent of “envelope”, which is part of writing materials.

Stationary vs. Stationery: Examples

Example Sentences Using Stationary

• We waited beside a stationary train, listening to the hiss of its resting engines.
• The art installation featured a series of stationary figures that appeared to be walking.
• During the meditation class, we were advised to keep our focus on a stationary object to help concentrate our minds.
• The accident was caused by a car that remained stationary in the middle of the highway.
• The guard remained stationary at his post, vigilant throughout the night.

Example Sentences Using Stationery

• She selected elegant stationery for her wedding invitations, complete with matching envelopes.
• Upon receiving the beautifully crafted stationery, I felt compelled to pen a heartfelt note.
• Our office manager ordered new stationery with the updated company logo.
• For his farewell gift, we gave him a set of monogrammed stationery to use for personal correspondence.
• As a writer, there’s nothing quite like the feel of putting pen to paper on high-quality stationery.

Related Confused Words

Stationery vs. Office Supplies

Stationery specifically refers to writing materials. This includes items like paper, envelopes, and writing implements. On the other hand, office supplies encompass a broader category. Beyond stationery, they cover items such as:

• Staplers and staples
• Paper clips
• Binders and folders
• Office furniture

In essence, all stationery is office supplies, but not all office supplies can be classified as stationery.

Stationery vs. Letterhead

Letterhead is a particular type of stationery. It consists of:

• Customized paper: This paper usually features a company’s logo, contact information, and a unique design.
• Formal use: It’s used for official correspondence.

While all letterhead is part of stationery, not all stationery serves the specific purpose that letterhead does, which is representing an organization in communications.

Related links:

• Principal vs. Principle
• Compliment vs. Complement