formalism

noun

for·​mal·​ism ˈfȯr-mə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: the practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to prescribed or external forms (as in religion or art)

also : an instance of this

2

: marked attention to arrangement, style, or artistic means (as in art or literature) usually with corresponding de-emphasis of content

formalist

ˈfȯr-mə-list 

noun or adjective

formalistic

ˌfȯr-mə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

Examples of formalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bursts of formalism, the melodramatic score, the ways in which the model-protagonist’s own profession becomes a stylistic barometer for her mental state — these are all evocative of that classic, colorful subgenre of horror. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024

Using a mathematical formalism called computational mechanics, the researchers identified criteria for determining which systems have this kind of hierarchical structure. —Philip Ball, WIRED, 21 July 2024

Reflexivity, far from representing a kind of abstract formalism, as is often supposed, constitutes a confrontational act of radical openness. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024

Compared with Xi’s rigid formalism and dependence on ritual and protocol, Jiang’s beguiling informality came from a completely different universe of leadership. —Orville Schell, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

formalism

noun

for·​mal·​ism ˈfȯr-mə-ˌliz-əm 

: the strict observance of forms or customs

formalist

-ləst 

noun

formalistic

ˌfȯr-mə-ˈlis-tik 

adjective

formalistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb