stationary
B1Neutral to formal. Common in written instructions, technical contexts, and descriptive language.
Definition
Meaning
Not moving; still; fixed in one place.
Refers to objects, vehicles, or situations that are not in motion or not changing in position, condition, or quantity. Can describe physical immobility or a state of stability/lack of progress.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often confused with 'stationery' (writing materials). A useful mnemonic: 'stationary' with an 'a' means 'at a standstill'; 'stationery' with an 'e' is for 'envelopes'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of immobility or lack of change.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + remain/stood/stayed + stationary[Subject] + be + stationary[Adverb] + stationaryVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stationary as a statue”
- “Stationary target”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to stable market conditions or non-fluctuating figures (e.g., 'stationary sales figures').
Academic
Describing objects in physics experiments or fixed points in mathematics.
Everyday
Describing traffic, exercise equipment, or a parked car.
Technical
Used in meteorology ('stationary front'), engineering, and physics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The lorry was stationary at the lights.
- The satellite appears stationary relative to the Earth.
American English
- The truck was stationary at the light.
- The satellite appears stationary relative to Earth.
adverb
British English
- The bus was held stationary due to the incident.
- The drone hovered almost stationary.
American English
- The bus was held stationary due to the incident.
- The drone hovered almost stationary.
adjective
British English
- A stationary police car blocked the lane.
- He works out on a stationary bicycle.
American English
- A stationary police car blocked the lane.
- He works out on a stationary bike.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please keep the car stationary while I load the bags.
- The cat remained stationary, watching the bird.
- During the traffic jam, all vehicles were stationary for twenty minutes.
- The weather forecast predicts a stationary front over the region.
- The economist noted that wages have been stationary for three quarters, adjusting for inflation.
- The experiment requires the apparatus to be perfectly stationary.
- The artist captured the illusion of speed by blurring the background against a stationary central figure.
- Market analysis revealed a stationary demand curve following the regulatory changes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A stationAry cAr is pArked and not moving.
Conceptual Metaphor
LACK OF MOVEMENT IS STABILITY/DEATH (e.g., 'a stationary economy', 'stationary as a corpse').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'станционный' (relating to a station). The correct conceptual translation is 'неподвижный' or 'недвижимый'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'stationery'. Using to describe people as 'stationary' can sound odd (prefer 'standing still').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'stationary' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Stationary' is an adjective meaning 'not moving'. 'Stationery' is a noun meaning 'writing materials' like paper and envelopes.
Yes, but it's less common and can sound formal or technical (e.g., 'The guard remained stationary'). 'Standing still' or 'motionless' is often more natural for people.
Yes, they are synonyms. 'Stationary bike' explicitly describes its fixed, non-moving nature.
It is a boundary between two air masses that is not moving, often leading to prolonged periods of cloudiness and precipitation.
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