formalism

/ˌfɔrməˈlɪzəm/
IPA guide

Other forms: formalisms

Definitions of formalism
  1. noun
    the practice of scrupulous adherence to prescribed or external forms
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    type of:
    pattern, practice
    a customary way of operation or behavior
  2. noun
    (philosophy) the philosophical theory that formal (logical or mathematical) statements have no meaning but that its symbols (regarded as physical entities) exhibit a form that has useful applications
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    type of:
    philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory
    a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy
  3. noun
    the doctrine that formal structure rather than content is what should be represented
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    antonyms:
    imitation
    the doctrine that representations of nature or human behavior should be accurate imitations
    type of:
    doctrine, ism, philosophical system, philosophy, school of thought
    a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
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