Stationary and stationery are two more words that sound exactly the same but have different meanings and spelling.
Stationary means to be completely still, standing in one spot. Something that is stationary does not move and is not meant to be moved. Stationary has an a just like the word stand.
When we play statue maker, we have to stand very still and remain stationary.
The squirrel stood stationary in my yard, as if he was posing for a photograph.
Stationery is the paper and envelopes we use when writing a letter to someone. Notice that this word – stationery – has an e just like the word envelope. That’s how you can keep the two words clear in your mind.
I bought some personalized stationery for my new job.
When I went to camp, Mom gave me stationery so I could write to her while I was away.
It’s easy to keep the words stationary and stationery clear in your mind.
Just remember that stationery has an e in it just like the envelopes that come with stationery.
Stationary has an a like stand because a stationary object stands still.