All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

'Stationery' and 'Stationary'

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2024 Maths Question Paper (01-Sep-2024)
The correct answer is Stationery means writing and office material and stationary means immobile

Understanding the Meanings: Stationery vs. Stationary

This solution aims to clarify the distinct meanings of the commonly confused words 'Stationery' and 'Stationary'. Understanding these differences is key to using them correctly in writing.

Defining 'Stationery'

Stationery refers to writing materials and other office supplies. This includes items like paper, envelopes, pens, pencils, notebooks, and other related products used for writing or office work. A helpful mnemonic is that stationery contains the letter 'e', similar to the word 'paper', which is a primary example of stationery.

Defining 'Stationary'

Stationary, spelled with an 'a', means not moving or fixed in one place; motionless. If something is described as stationary, it remains still and does not change position. Think of the letter 'a' in stationary as standing for 'at rest' or 'immobile'.

Comparing Stationery vs. Stationary

The core difference lies in their meaning and spelling:

  • Stationery (with 'e'): Relates to writing and office supplies.
  • Stationary (with 'a'): Means not moving or remaining in the same place.

Evaluating the Options

Let's examine the provided options based on these definitions:

  • Option 1: States 'Stationery means standing still and stationary means immobile'. This incorrectly defines both words. 'Stationery' does not mean standing still, and while 'stationary' means immobile, the definition for 'stationery' is wrong.
  • Option 2: States 'Stationery means writing and office material and stationary means in station'. This correctly defines 'stationery' but incorrectly defines 'stationary'. 'In station' is not the meaning of 'stationary'.
  • Option 3: States 'Stationery means writing and office material and stationary means immobile'. This correctly defines both 'stationery' as writing and office materials and 'stationary' as immobile or not moving.
  • Option 4: States 'Stationery means standing still and stationary means writing and office material'. This incorrectly swaps the meanings of the two words.

Conclusion: Identifying the Correct Meaning

Based on the established definitions, the option that accurately describes both 'Stationery' and 'Stationary' is the one defining stationery as writing and office materials and stationary as immobile.

Therefore, the correct choice is the one that matches these meanings.

The correct option is the one stating: Stationery means writing and office material and stationary means immobile.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    ‘Compliment’ and ‘Complement’ 

  2. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Compliment' and 'Complement'

  3. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Deify' and 'Defy'

  4. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Enquiry' and 'Inquiry'

  5. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Complaisant' and 'Complacent'

  6. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Boarder' and 'Border'

  7. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Concurrent' and 'Consecutive'

  8. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Epitaph' and 'Epithet'

  9. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Discomfort' and 'Discomfit'

  10. Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    ‘Perspicacity’ and ‘Perspicuity’ 


Important Questions from Homophones

  1. Select the correct pair of homophones to fill in the blanks.

    The stained glass windows behind the _______ in Glenn Church are in need of repair.

    Genetic screening has the potential to _______ the genetic composition of the population

  2. Select the most appropriate homophone to fill in the blank.

    The shareholders are planning to ___________ control of the company from the current directors.

  3. Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :

    He left the meeting in a fit of __________ .

  4. Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :

    A __________ gives us his words of wisdom.

  5. Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :

    He favours a ___________ and stick approach to teaching.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
NDA
September 13, 2026
CDS
September 13, 2026
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
540 Tests 4 Tests Free
1259 Attempts
4.3(170)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App