formalistic

formalistic — adjective

  • formalisticpositive
  • more formalisticcomparative
  • most formalisticsuperlative

1. putting more attention on outer rules, traditions, or ways of doing something th

1.形容詞C1
釋義

putting more attention on outer rules, traditions, or ways of doing something than on the real meaning or feeling behind them — for example, a religious service that follows every ancient step exactly but leaves worshippers untouched, or a court ruling that obeys the letter of the law while ignoring the people harmed by it.

例句

Henrik found the wedding ceremony cold and formalistic, with no room for personal vows.

describing rituals that lack warmth

Valentina's art teacher rejected the formalistic approach of copying old masters stroke by stroke.

describing rigid adherence to traditional forms

同義詞
  • ritualistic

    stresses mechanical repetition of set actions

  • pedantic

    stresses fussy attention to small rules or details

  • legalistic

    narrower — strict obedience to the letter of rules or law

  • doctrinaire

    stresses rigid loyalty to a theory or doctrine

反義詞
  • spontaneous

    acts from genuine feeling rather than set form

  • heartfelt

    guided by real emotion, not outward ritual

用法筆記

Almost always carries a negative tone — describes form prioritised at the cost of substance. Common subjects include ceremonies, rulings, education, and the arts. Distinguish from neutral 'formal': 'formal' just means following accepted form; 'formalistic' adds the criticism that the form is empty.

常見錯誤

❌The dinner was very formalistic — everyone wore suits.
✅The dinner was very formal
💡everyone wore suits.' — 'formal' describes the style; 'formalistic' adds criticism that form replaced meaning.
❌She gave a formalistic apology that sounded sincere.
✅She gave a formal apology that sounded sincere.
💡'formalistic' implies the apology was hollow, so it cannot also be sincere.