formalism
formalism — noun
1. a way of making or judging art, literature, music, or similar creative work in w
a way of making or judging art, literature, music, or similar creative work in which following the expected rules, shapes, and structures is valued more than what the work means or how it makes people feel.
Minho admired the painter's formalism, praising the careful arrangement of shapes before discussing the subject.
formalism as an attribute: possessive + formalism
The dance critic argued that formalism in ballet had made performances feel cold and lifeless.
formalism + in + [field of art]
Diya's poetry teacher pushed her toward formalism, insisting each sonnet follow the 14-line rhyme scheme.
In the 1950s, formalism dominated architecture, producing rows of identical glass towers.
Formalism in film judges a movie by its framing and editing, not by the audience's emotional connection.
- conventionalism
Often has a negative tone, suggesting stubborn attachment to convention without good reason; 'formalism' is more neutral and analytical.
- traditionalism
Broader — values tradition and established customs for their own sake, not specifically about form versus content.
- academicism
Specifically tied to formal arts education and rigid institutional standards, often with a dismissive tone.
- expressionism
An artistic movement that prioritises emotional expression and personal feeling over formal rules.
- experimentalism
A willingness to break or abandon established forms in favour of new approaches.
文法句型
formalism + in + [field/domain]
the + formalism + of + [noun phrase]
possessive + formalism
用法筆記
Most common in academic discussions of art, literature, music, dance, and architecture. Typically used in a critical or analytical context, often to contrast with approaches that value content, emotion, or meaning over structure. Not used for everyday rules or social etiquette — for that sense, use 'formality' instead.