Stationary with an A means not moving — a stationary vehicle. Stationery with an E means writing materials: paper, envelopes, pens. The memory trick that works: stationEry contains E for envelopes; stationAry contains A for "at rest".
The core difference
One letter, two unrelated meanings, and both are common words.
- stationary (A) — not moving: a stationary target.
- stationery (E) — paper goods: order more stationery.
Why they look alike
They share an origin. A medieval stationer was a bookseller with a fixed stall — stationary, as opposed to a travelling pedlar. The goods took the name of the stall-holder, and the spellings later separated to keep the two senses apart.
The reliable check
Envelopes has an E, and so does stationEry. Nothing else about the pair is memorable, so use that.
Frequently asked questions
Which spelling means paper?
Stationery, with an E — the same E as in envelopes.
Are the two words related?
Yes. A stationer was a bookseller with a fixed — stationary — stall, and the goods took the name.
How do I remember it?
StationEry for Envelopes; stationAry for At rest.