stationery
STAY-shuh-nair-ee
/ˈsteɪʃəˌnɛri/
Writing materials, such as paper, envelopes, and pens, typically of high quality or for formal use.
Often implies a collection of items, and can suggest a certain quality or formality, though it's also used for general school supplies.
The story behind the word. The word 'stationery' comes from the Latin 'stationarius,' meaning 'belonging to a station.' In medieval times, booksellers and scribes often had fixed stalls or 'stations' at markets, unlike traveling peddlers. These 'stationers' sold books and writing materials. Over time, the term 'stationery' came to refer specifically to the goods sold by these fixed-location vendors, particularly paper and writing implements.
Word relationships
- writing supplies: A more general and less formal term.
- office supplies: Broader, including items not specifically for writing, like paper clips or staplers.
Commonly confused with
- stationary: Stationery (with an 'e') refers to writing materials. Stationary (with an 'a') is an adjective meaning not moving.
Collocations
- office stationery
- personalized stationery
- school stationery
- buy stationery
Example sentences
- "She stocked up on notebooks, pens, and other essential stationery for her college courses." A student buys supplies for the new school year.
- "The elegant stationery, complete with embossed letterhead and matching envelopes, was reserved for important correspondence." Describing a formal writing set.
Memory hook
Remember 'stationEry' for 'E'nvelopes and 'E'rasers, and that it refers to things sold at a fixed 'station'. E for Envelopes
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'stationary' (adjective, meaning not moving).
Fun facts
- The distinction between 'stationery' and 'stationary' is a common spelling trap in English.
- Before the invention of printing, 'stationers' were crucial for copying and distributing manuscripts.
- Personalized stationery, often featuring monograms or custom designs, is still considered a mark of elegance.
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