What is stationary? Pronunciation and usage in English

stationary means . Learn how to pronounce and use stationary through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of stationary

stationaryadjective

/ˈsteɪʃənri//ˈsteɪʃəneri/

Okay, this is a famously tricky word! Here's a breakdown of how to pronounce "stationary" correctly, and why it's so confusing:

The Correct Pronunciation:

The generally accepted pronunciation is: stə-ˈshən-er-ee

Let's break it down:

  • stə: Like "stuh" – a short, quick "uh" sound.
  • ˈshən: Rhymes with "sun" or "fun." The emphasis (the stressed syllable) is here.
  • er: Like the letter "er".
  • ee: Like the letter "ee" (as in "see").

Why it’s tricky and common mistakes:

  • The "a" sound: People often try to pronounce it like "station-ary" (with a long "a" sound). This is the most common mistake.
  • Adding an extra syllable: Some people add an extra syllable, making it sound like "sta-tion-ary."

Tips for remembering:

  • Think of "still": "Stationary" means "still." The word sounds like "still."
  • Focus on the "shun" sound: Hearing the emphasis on "shun" (rhyming with "sun") can really help.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google: Just type "how to pronounce stationary" into Google, and you'll find audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/stationary/ – This site has pronunciations from native speakers.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word stationary in English

Let's break down how to use the word "stationary" correctly. It's a common source of confusion because it's often misspelled as "stationery." Here's a detailed explanation:

1. "Stationary" (adjective): Meaning Still or Not Moving

  • Definition: This is the most common meaning. It describes something that is not moving.
  • Examples:
    • "The car was stationary at the red light." (Meaning it wasn't moving)
    • "Please remain stationary while I apply the bandage." (Meaning don't move)
    • "The leaves were stationary on the ground after the wind stopped."
    • "I need a stationary position to take this photo."

2. "Stationery" (noun): Meaning Writing Materials

  • Definition: This refers to writing supplies – things like paper, envelopes, pens, pencils, and cards.
  • Examples:
    • "I bought some beautiful stationery for my grandmother's birthday."
    • "She always writes with elegant stationery."
    • "The store sells a wide variety of stationery."

Here's a table to quickly summarize:

Word Part of Speech Meaning Examples
Stationary Adjective Not moving, still "The train was stationary."
Stationery Noun Writing supplies "I need new stationery for my desk."

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them:

  • Confusing "stationary" (adjective) and "stationery" (noun): This is the BIGGEST mistake. Pay attention to the meaning you want to convey. Are you describing something that's not moving, or are you talking about writing supplies?

  • Misspelling "stationary": Double-check your spelling! Read it aloud to make sure it sounds right.

Tips for Remembering:

  • Think "station" + "ery": "Station" relates to a place (like a train station), and "ery" often refers to things related to that place (like tickets, announcements). Therefore, “stationery” is related to writing.
  • Focus on the context: The surrounding words will usually make it clear which meaning is intended.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "stationary" and "stationery"?
  • Provide some practice sentences?
  • Explain how the words are used in a specific context (e.g., writing a letter)?

Synonyms for the word stationary

Practice with vocabulary stationary

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the scientific observation, the satellite appeared to be completely ________________ relative to the Earth's surface, maintaining its position above the equator.
  2. Please ensure all official correspondence is printed on the company's branded ________________ for a professional presentation.
  3. Despite the strong winds, the newly installed solar panels remained remarkably ________________, thanks to their robust anchoring system.
  4. The security camera captured the suspect remaining ________________ outside the building for several minutes before attempting to open the door.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes an object that is not moving? a) Agile b) Dynamic c) Mobile d) Stationary e) Motionless

  2. If a vehicle is described as having a "fixed position," it implies that it is: a) In motion b) Stationary c) Accelerating d) Moving freely e) Unchanging in location

  3. Which of these items would you typically purchase from an office supply store? a) A fitness machine b) Stationery c) A portable charger d) A moving cart e) Writing paper

  4. In a business context, what might be considered "stable" or "unfluctuating"? a) Volatile stock prices b) A stationary market trend c) Erratic demand for a product d) A fluctuating exchange rate e) A consistent sales volume

  5. What word best describes a period of no progress or activity? a) Development b) Growth c) Stagnant d) Active e) Evolution

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The train stopped completely at the station for ten minutes. Rewrite using "stationary":

  2. The art studio always keeps a good supply of pens, paper, and other writing materials for its artists. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "writing materials":

  3. After the initial rapid ascent, the drone maintained a fixed height above the target area. Rewrite using "stationary":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the scientific observation, the satellite appeared to be completely stationary relative to the Earth's surface, maintaining its position above the equator.
  2. Please ensure all official correspondence is printed on the company's branded stationery for a professional presentation.
  3. Despite the strong winds, the newly installed solar panels remained remarkably stable, thanks to their robust anchoring system.
  4. The security camera captured the suspect remaining stationary outside the building for several minutes before attempting to open the door.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. d) Stationary, e) Motionless
  2. b) Stationary, e) Unchanging in location
  3. b) Stationery, e) Writing paper
  4. b) A stationary market trend, e) A consistent sales volume
  5. c) Stagnant

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The train remained stationary at the station for ten minutes.
  2. The art studio always keeps a good supply of pens, paper, and other stationery for its artists.
  3. After the initial rapid ascent, the drone remained stationary at a fixed height above the target area.

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