stationary, stationery

stationary, stationery
   The difference in spelling goes back centuries, though etymologically there isn't any basis for it. Both words come from the Latin stationarius and both originally meant "standing in a fixed position." Stationers were tradesmen, usually booksellers, who sold their wares from a fixed spot. Today in Britain stationery is still sold by stationers, which makes the misspelling there less excusable, if no less frequent. Stationery applies, incidentally, not just to writing paper and envelopes but to all office materials. Strictly speaking, paper clips and pencils are stationery.

Dictionary of troublesome word. . 2013.

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  • stationary, stationery — Stationary is an adjective meaning having a fixed or unmoving position, not moving : This huge rock is stationary. For a week, the stock market has been almost stationary. Stationery, a noun, means writing paper and envelopes. The word has been… …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • stationary - stationery — These words look similar and are both pronounced . However, their meanings are completely different. ◊ stationary Stationary is an adjective. If a vehicle is stationary, it is not moving. ...a stationary car. Only use the handbrake when your… …   Useful english dictionary

  • stationary / stationery —    Stationary means still and unmoving : The cat was stationary until it was time to pounce on its prey.    Stationery refers to writing materials such as paper: Craig took out his best stationery to write to his beloved Charlotte Russe …   Confused words

  • stationary / stationery —    Stationary means still and unmoving : The cat was stationary until it was time to pounce on its prey.    Stationery refers to writing materials such as paper: Craig took out his best stationery to write to his beloved Charlotte Russe …   Confused words

  • stationary, stationery —    The difference in spelling goes back centuries, though etymologically there isn t any basis for it. Both words come from the Latin stationarius and both originally meant standing in a fixed position. Stationers were tradesmen, usually… …   Dictionary of troublesome word

  • stationary — stationary, stationery Stationary is an adjective and means ‘not moving’ whereas stationery is a noun and denotes paper and writing materials. Both words are derived from the Latin word stare ‘to stand’. The relevance of this to stationary is… …   Modern English usage

  • stationery — stationary, stationery Stationary is an adjective and means ‘not moving’ whereas stationery is a noun and denotes paper and writing materials. Both words are derived from the Latin word stare ‘to stand’. The relevance of this to stationary is… …   Modern English usage

  • stationary vs stationery —   Stationary means not moving.   For example: The car was stationary.   Stationery is the collective noun for the items needed for writing, such as paper, pens, pencils and envelopes.   For example: It is the secretary s job to order the… …   English dictionary of common mistakes and confusing words

  • stationary vs stationery —   Stationary means not moving.   For example: The car was stationary.   Stationery is the collective noun for the items needed for writing, such as paper, pens, pencils and envelopes.   For example: It is the secretary s job to order the… …   English dictionary of common mistakes and confusing words

  • stationery — See stationary, stationery …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

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