Stationary: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Stationary adjective. Not moving, or not changing.
How to say it
STAY-shuh-nuh-ree/ˈsteɪʃ(ə)n(ə)ri/ · American /ˈsteɪʃəˌnɛri/
4 syllables, stressed on the first (STAY).
Stationary in a sentence
The lorry was stationary when the cyclist rode into it.
House prices have stayed stationary all year.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- still
- motionless
- static
- immobile
Opposite:
- moving
- mobile
Usage note
Stationary, with an a, means at a standstill (a for 'at rest'). Stationery, with an e, is paper and envelopes (e for 'envelope').
Don’t confuse with stationery
stationery (noun): Paper, envelopes, pens and other things for writing.
Where stationary comes from
From Latin stationarius, belonging to a station or post.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
House prices have stayed _____ all year.
- venial
- continual
- stationary
Show the answer
stationary: House prices have stayed stationary all year.