Stationary versus stationery

I think of some of the strangest things while waiting in the check-out line at the supermarket. The difference between stationary and stationery, for instance, and the handy trick to remember which is which. First, let’s look at their definitions.

stationary:  adjective 1.  standing still; not moving.
                          2.  having a fixed position; not movable.
3.  established in one place; not itinerant or migratory.
4.  remaining in the same condition or state; not changing.
stationery:  noun 1.  writing paper.
                   2.  writing materials, as pens, pencils, paper, etc.

Now, here’s the simple trick:  the one with an “e” includes envelopes.

Wendy Wood
Proofreader

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