stationary state: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Highly specialized/uncommon in general discourse)Formal, Academic, Scientific, Technical
Quick answer
What does “stationary state” mean?
A condition or system that remains unchanged over time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A condition or system that remains unchanged over time; a state with constant properties that does not evolve.
In physics and chemistry, a system where macroscopic variables (like pressure, temperature, composition) are constant in time, though microscopic processes may continue. In quantum mechanics, a state with a definite energy that does not change with time. In a broader context, any situation that is stable and not developing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling conventions follow respective norms (e.g., 'behaviour' vs. 'behavior' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Equally technical in both varieties. Slightly more common in British academic writing in historical contexts of quantum theory.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both regions. Usage is almost exclusively confined to scientific and technical publications.
Grammar
How to Use “stationary state” in a Sentence
The system enters/remains in a stationary state.A stationary state of [noun phrase] is achieved.To calculate/find the stationary state.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stationary state” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system will stationarise under those conditions.
- We need to stationarise the data before analysis.
American English
- The system will stationarize under those conditions.
- We need to stationarize the data before analysis.
adverb
British English
- The population settled stationarily over several generations.
American English
- The population settled stationarily over several generations.
adjective
British English
- The stationary-state solution is derived from the Schrödinger equation.
- They observed stationary-state behaviour in the reactor.
American English
- The stationary-state solution is derived from the Schrödinger equation.
- They observed stationary-state behavior in the reactor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear metaphorically in reports: 'The market has reached a stationary state, with no growth forecast.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in physics, chemistry, engineering, systems theory, and mathematics to describe systems with constant parameters.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson would say 'has stopped changing' or 'is stable'.
Technical
Core usage. Precisely defined in fields like quantum mechanics ('an eigenstate of the Hamiltonian'), thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stationary state”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stationary state”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stationary state”
- Misspelling as 'stationery state'.
- Using it to mean simply 'not moving' rather than a system in dynamic equilibrium.
- Confusing it with 'steady state', which can imply a constant flow through the system, while 'stationary' emphasizes time-independence of properties.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Stationary' (with an 'a') means not moving or changing. 'Stationery' (with an 'e') refers to writing materials like paper and envelopes.
No. It means the measurable, macroscopic properties are constant. At a microscopic level, processes may still be occurring in a balanced way, like in chemical equilibrium.
They are often used interchangeably, especially in engineering. However, in some technical contexts, 'steady state' can imply a constant flow through an open system, while 'stationary state' emphasizes strict time-independence of all relevant parameters in a closed or open system.
Yes, but it's rare and figurative. It can describe any situation that is stable and unchanging for a period, such as 'a stationary state of economic depression', borrowing the scientific connotation of a system in equilibrium.
A condition or system that remains unchanged over time.
Stationary state is usually formal, academic, scientific, technical in register.
Stationary state: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsteɪʃ(ə)n(ə)ri steɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsteɪʃəˌneri steɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stuck in a stationary state (figurative, non-technical use)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **station** where trains stop; a **stationary state** is where change stops. Remember: 'stationARY' = stAYing the same (A for 'A constant state').
Conceptual Metaphor
A FROZEN RIVER (the water molecules move, but the overall shape and flow pattern do not change).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'stationary state' most precisely and commonly defined?