also: け
noun, na-adjective, noun, used as a prefix
difference; different thing; other
Only with reading こと
Archaic noun/adjectival noun/prefix meaning 'different' or 'other'. Used in classical contexts or fixed expressions; modern Japanese prefers 違い or 別.
古典では「異なる」の意味で「異なり」と使われた。
In classical texts, 異なり was used to mean 'different'.
na-adjective
Archaic adjectival noun meaning 'unusual' or 'extraordinary'. The reading け is particularly rare; modern equivalents include 変わった or 異常な.
古語では「異なり」が「普通でない」という意味で使われた。
In old language, 異なり was used to mean 'unusual'.
Alternate kanji; less common and may be confused with other readings.
The kanji 異 and 殊 both convey 'different' or 'unusual'. The reading こと is native Japanese, while け is an older, now-archaic reading. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.