What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
legalism
Example
The company's legalism prevented them from making any exceptions to their policies. [legalism: noun]
Example
He was accused of legalism for insisting on following the exact wording of the contract. [legalism: noun]
formalism
Example
The bureaucracy's formalism made it difficult to get anything done quickly. [formalism: noun]
Example
She criticized the company's formalism for requiring employees to wear suits even in hot weather. [formalism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Legalism and formalism are not very common words in everyday language, and may be more commonly used in academic or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between legalism and formalism?
Both legalism and formalism have a formal connotation, but legalism may be more associated with ethical or religious discussions, while formalism may be more associated with professional or artistic contexts.
