B1adjective 5K

Stationary

UK //ˈsteɪʃənəri// US //ˈsteɪʃəˌneri// Pronunciation

Definition

Not moving or not intended to be moved.

Listen to definition

In simple words: not moving or not changing

Examples

• The car remained **stationary** at the red light.
• Make sure the **stationary** bike is on a flat surface.
• Despite the storm, the boat stayed **stationary** in the harbor.
• Artists often draw on **stationary** surfaces like a table.
• The **stationary** plane sat on the runway without moving.

Usage notes

Use 'stationary' to describe things that are still or not in motion. Avoid confusion with 'stationery', which means paper products.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'stationary' as in 'stay' (think 'stay still')

Collocations

• stationary object
• remain stationary
• stationary position

Synonyms

• immobile
• still
• fixed
• set
• motionless

Antonyms

• moving
• mobile

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'stationery' (paper supplies)
• Using it incorrectly as a noun
• Confusing with 'static' (meaning unchanging)