異 例(いれい)

いれい

na-adjective, noun

unusual, exceptional, unprecedented

1. unusual, exceptional, unprecedented

Deviating from the normal pattern, precedent, or established practice. Often used in formal and news contexts to describe events, decisions, or situations that break from what is customary.

異例(いれい)の速(はや)さで決定(けってい)された。

It was decided with unusual speed.

首相(しゅしょう)が直接(ちょくせつ)謝罪(しゃざい)するのは異例(いれい)のことだ。

It is unusual for the prime minister to apologize directly.

異例(いれい)の大型(おおがた)台風(たいふう)が接近(せっきん)しているため、全国的(ぜんこくてき)に厳重(げんじゅう)な警戒(けいかい)が呼(よ)びかけられている。

Because an exceptionally large typhoon is approaching, strict precautions are being called for nationwide.

Usage

Used as a na-adjective (異例(いれい)な or 異例(いれい)の) to describe something that breaks from established norms or precedent. Very common in news reporting and formal contexts. Often implies the situation is noteworthy because it rarely happens.

Common collocations

異例(いれい)の措置(そち) (exceptional measure)
異例(いれい)の速(はや)さ (unusual speed)
異例(いれい)の事態(じたい) (unusual situation)
異例(いれい)の人事(じんじ) (unusual personnel appointment)
異例(いれい)ずくめ (full of unusual things)

Similar words

例外(れいがい): exception (a case that doesn't follow the rule)
前例(ぜんれい)のない: unprecedented (no prior cases)
異常(いじょう): abnormal, anomalous (implies something is wrong, not just unusual)

Related Words

Synonym: 例外(れいがい) (exception)

Related: 異常(いじょう) (abnormal)

Compare: 破格(はかく) (exceptional)

Compare: 例外的(れいがいてき) (exceptional)

Compare: 変則(へんそく) (irregular)

general

Added 2026.2.25 23:29 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

13500/13564_irei