Stationery vs Stationary

The difference between office stationery and office stationary.

Stationery includes all office supplies and equipment. This is not to be confused with Stationary which is nothing to do with office supplies!! It's surprising to know that people often miss spell stationery when looking for office supplies by typing stationary as in standing still.

A Definition of stationery

• noun [U]
• The items needed for writing, such as paper, pens, pencils and envelopes
• Good quality paper for writing letters on and matching envelopes

A Definition of Stationer

• Noun [C]
• A person or business that sells stationery

A definition of stationer's

• Noun [C] UK
• A shop which sells stationery

A Definition of Stationary

• Adjective
• Not moving, or not changing:
• A man stood very still with no office supplies on him
• A stationary car/train
• The traffic got slower and slower until it was stationary.
• The rate of inflation has been stationary for several months.
  
  (Adapted from Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)

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