strict adherence to, or observance of, prescribed or traditional forms, as in music, poetry, and art., excessive emphasis on the purely technical aspects of a work of art or literature, typically at the expense of its substance and meaningful content.

Formal and Informal Expressions of formalism

In different contexts, you can replace 'formalism' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'conventionality, orthodoxy' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'rigidity, stiffness' is a commonplace synonym.

formalism: Explore its Definition & Usage

formalism Definition

1strict adherence to, or observance of, prescribed or traditional forms, as in music, poetry, and art.
2excessive emphasis on the purely technical aspects of a work of art or literature, typically at the expense of its substance and meaningful content.

Using formalism: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "formalism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The artist's work was criticized for its formalism, lacking any emotional depth.
Example
The professor's lectures were filled with formalism, focusing more on the structure of the argument than its actual content.
Example
The composer's adherence to formalism resulted in a piece that lacked any originality or creativity.

formalism Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for formalism

Antonyms for formalism

Phrases with formalism

new formalism
a movement in American architecture during the late 20th century that emphasized classical design principles and traditional building techniques
Example
The new government building was designed in the style of new formalism, with grand columns and ornate details.
literary formalism
a critical approach to literature that emphasizes the formal elements of a text, such as structure, language, and style, over its content and context
Example
The literary critic's analysis focused on literary formalism, examining the use of language and structure in the novel.
visual formalism
an artistic approach that emphasizes the visual elements of a work of art, such as color, line, and shape, over its representational content
Example
The artist's work was characterized by visual formalism, with bold colors and geometric shapes taking precedence over any recognizable subject matter.

Origins of formalism

from formal + -ism, modeled on German Formalismus

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Summary: formalism in Brief

Formalism [fawr-muh-liz-uhm] refers to strict adherence to prescribed or traditional forms, often in music, poetry, and art. It can also refer to excessive emphasis on technical aspects of a work, neglecting its substance and meaning. Examples include the artist's work criticized for lacking emotional depth and the professor's lectures filled with formalism, focusing more on structure than content. Phrases like 'new formalism' and 'visual formalism' denote specific movements in architecture and art, respectively.