Stationary or stationery: which is correct?
Correct
stationary (not moving) / stationery (paper, envelopes, pens)
Avoid
stationary (for writing materials)
Avoid
stationery (for "not moving")
Summary
Correct: stationary (not moving) / stationery (paper, envelopes, pens) — Avoid: stationary (for writing materials) / stationery (for "not moving"). Stationary = standing still, not moving; stationery = writing paper and office materials.
- Part of speech
- adjective / noun
- Source
- Merriam-Webster
Why
Merriam-Webster: stationary with an a is the adjective meaning standing still; stationery with an e is the noun for writing materials. Remember e for envelope.
Examples
- The car remained stationary at the lights.
- The shop sells stationery and office supplies.
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- Merriam-Webster · Oxford English Dictionary / Oxford spelling · SCOWL
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