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How to Pronounce stationery vs stationary

Key Pronunciation Contrast

Homophones (⁄ˈsteɪ.ʃə.nɛr.i⁄): ‘stationary’ (with -a-) means motionless; ‘stationery’ (with -e-) refers to writing paper and envelopes.

Contrast: Homophones: identical ⁄ˈsteɪ.ʃə.nɛr.i⁄

stationery

⁄ˈsteɪʃəneri⁄

Syllables

STA·tion·er·y

Definition:

Writing materials, envelopes, office materials.

“When the school year finished, he put all of his stationery away in the loft, as he would have no need for pencils and exercise books during the holidays.”

stationary

⁄ˈsteɪ.ʃə.nər.i⁄

Syllables

STA·tion·ar·y

Definition:

Not moving.

“The train remained stationary for a few moments, before lurching forward along the track.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: stationery vs stationary

What is the difference in pronunciation between "stationery" and "stationary"?

Homophones (⁄ˈsteɪ.ʃə.nɛr.i⁄): ‘stationary’ (with -a-) means motionless; ‘stationery’ (with -e-) refers to writing paper and envelopes.

Where does the syllable stress fall in "stationery" vs "stationary"?

"stationery" has 4 syllable(s) (sta · tion · er · y) with stress on "STA". "stationary" has 4 syllable(s) (sta · tion · ar · y) with stress on "STA".

Why do English learners often confuse "stationery" and "stationary"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Homophones: identical ⁄ˈsteɪ.ʃə.nɛr.i⁄. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "stationery" and "stationary"?

Example for "stationery": "When the school year finished, he put all of his stationery away in the loft, as he would have no need for pencils and exercise books during the holidays." Example for "stationary": "The train remained stationary for a few moments, before lurching forward along the track."