Stationary: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：unmoving (stationary)

stationary 🔊

/ˈsteɪ.ʃən.ər.i/

adj.

Not moving at all; staying in the same spot.

Stationary meaning illustrated by completely stopped traffic on a city highway during rush hour.

unmoving 🔊

➕

/ʌnˈmuːvɪŋ/

adj.

An adjective describing something that is not in motion; completely still.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'stationarius' meaning 'belonging to a station, position, or standing'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'station' where trains stop. Something 'stationary' is staying put, like a train at its station.

📖 Example

The model in the art class remained stationary throughout the entire drawing session, which was quite challenging. 🔊 The model in the art class stayed completely unmoving for the whole time people were drawing, which was a difficult task.

🔗 Collocations

stationary object – A physical item that is not moving.

remain stationary – To continue staying in one place without moving.

stationary target – A fixed or immobile point intended to be hit or observed.

🔄 Synonyms

motionless (adj.) – Completely without movement.

static (adj.) – Lacking movement, action, or change.

immobile (adj.) – Unable to move or be moved.

🚫 Antonyms

moving (adj.) – In motion; changing position.

mobile (adj.) – Capable of moving or being moved easily.

🌱 Derivatives

stationariness (n.) – The state or quality of being stationary.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'stationary' originates from the Latin 'stationarius', meaning 'pertaining to a station or standing place'. This root is shared with 'station' and reflects the concept of a fixed location, historically used for soldiers on guard duty or vendors with a fixed stand.