Basic Details
Word: Stationery
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Writing materials, including paper, envelopes, pens, and other office supplies.
Synonyms: Office supplies, writing materials
Antonyms: N/A
Idioms and Phrases
- Stationery store: A shop that sells writing materials and office supplies. Example: "We need to stop at the stationery store to buy some more paper for our project."
- All dressed up and nowhere to go: Referring to being prepared for something that doesn't happen. It can relate metaphorically to having stationery ready but not using it. Example: "She had all the stationery ready for her presentation, but when it was cancelled, it felt like being all dressed up and nowhere to go."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The school supplied every student with a set of stationery for the new term.
Example 2: I went to the shop to buy some colourful stationery to make my notes more exciting.
Example 3: Remember to bring your stationery for the class project so we can write and draw together.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "stationery" comes from the Old French word "estacioner," which means "to set up"? This is because merchants who sold writing materials would set up their goods at locations like markets and fairs.
Famous Quote
"The pen is mightier than the sword." - Edward Bulwer-Lytton. This quote emphasises the power of writing and communication, highlighting the importance of stationery tools like pens.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "stationery" mean?
a) A type of tree
b) Writing materials and office supplies
c) A type of animal
d) A musical instrument
Answer: b) Writing materials and office supplies
2. Which of these is a synonym of "stationery"?
a) Tools
b) Office supplies
c) Furniture
d) Equipment
Answer: b) Office supplies
3. Which sentence uses "stationery" correctly?
a) She wore her best stationery to the party.
b) I bought some stationery to write a letter.
c) The stationery ran quickly in the race.
d) He painted a picture of his stationery.
Answer: b) I bought some stationery to write a letter.
4. Which idiom refers to a place to buy stationery?
a) Come to the stationery
b) Stationery store
c) All dressed up and nowhere to go
d) A penny for your thoughts
Answer: b) Stationery store
5. What is the opposite of "stationery"?
a) N/A
b) Luggage
c) Technology
d) Gear
Answer: a) N/A
