formalism Meaning, Definition & Usage
-
noun the doctrine that formal structure rather than content is what should be represented
-
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
-
noun the practice of scrupulous adherence to prescribed or external forms
WordNet
Form"al*ism noun
Definitions
The practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to, or dependence on, external forms, esp. in matters of religion. Official formalism.
Sir H. Rawlinson.