WordGarden.iostationary
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈeɪʃənəri/
US
- /ˈsteɪʃəˌnɛri/
Meanings
Adjective
not moving; fixed in one place
not changing in amount, condition, or progress
Beyond the definition
The word stationary can be a little confusing at first. It describes something that is not moving or is staying in one place. A statue in a park, a parked car, or a house can all be stationary. It is often confused with its homophone, stationery (spelled with an "e"), which means paper, pens, envelopes, and other writing supplies. To keep them straight, think of a train station: trains come and go, but the station stays stationary. Whether you are riding a stationary bike at the gym or watching a stationary weather front, you are talking about something that is still.
The word stationary is an adjective used to describe anything that is not moving or is fixed in one place. It comes from the Latin word stationarius and is related to the word "station," which gives the sense of staying in one spot. You might picture a lighthouse standing stationary against the waves, or a ship held stationary in a harbor by a heavy anchor. It can also describe something that is not changing, such as a stationary population or a stationary price level.
The main difficulty with this word is its identical-sounding twin: stationery. They are pronounced the same, but stationery refers to writing materials such as paper, cards, envelopes, and letterheads. A simple trick is to remember that stationery is for envelopes and letters, both of which use the letter "e." Stationary, on the other hand, is about staying still. Keeping that small spelling clue in mind can help you choose the right word every time.
Examples
- 1
Train delay
The train stayed stationary for almost an hour after the power cut.
- 2
Photography
Hold the camera stationary for a few seconds so the picture doesn't blur.
- 3
Exercise equipment
On rainy days, she does her workout on a stationary bike.
- Phrasestationary bike
an exercise bike that stays in one place
- 4
Sales trend
Sales have remained stationary this quarter, even after the new advertising campaign.
- Phraseremain stationary
stay at the same level
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- remain stationary
- stationary vehicle
- stationary bike
- stationary target
Explore
- state of rest
- inertia
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- stationaryadjective