Same sound, different use
stationary vs stationery
Same sound, different meaning and spelling
Stationary means not moving or not changing. Stationery means writing paper and related office materials. They sound exactly alike.
Context decides
Choose movement or writing materials
Pronunciation cannot reveal the final written vowel, so check the grammatical role and meaning.
Not moving: stationary
Use the A spelling as an adjective for something still, fixed, or unchanged.
The bicycle remained stationary at the light.
Paper supplies: stationery
Use the E spelling as a noun for writing paper, envelopes, and similar supplies.
She ordered personalized stationery for the office.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Stationary is normally an adjective describing something fixed, still, or unchanged. Stationery is a noun for writing paper, envelopes, and sometimes related supplies. The last written vowel carries the only distinction: A belongs to the adjective, while E belongs to the paper-and-envelope noun.
Optional listening · American English
Hear the shared pronunciation
These terms share a standard pronunciation. Use the recordings to learn the sound, then use meaning and context to choose the spelling.
Word 1
stationary
adjective
Not moving, fixed in one place, or not changing.
US pronunciation
/ˈsteɪʃəˌnɛri/
UK IPA
/ˈsteɪʃənəri/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Stress STAY, reduce the middle syllables, and give “nair” light secondary stress.
Word 2
stationery
noun
Writing paper, envelopes, and related office or correspondence supplies.
US pronunciation
/ˈsteɪʃəˌnɛri/
UK IPA
/ˈsteɪʃənəri/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Pronounce every syllable exactly as in stationary. The E is a spelling clue only.
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
stationary
- Keep the vehicle stationary during the inspection.
- The storm remained stationary for several hours.
- Use a stationary bike for the warm-up.
Examples with
stationery
- The hotel uses stationery with a blue border.
- We keep spare stationery in the top drawer.
- She wrote the note on company stationery.