FORMALISM

formalism

(noun) the practice of scrupulous adherence to prescribed or external forms

formalism

(noun) the doctrine that formal structure rather than content is what should be represented

formalism

(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

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

formalism (countable and uncountable, plural formalisms)

Strict adherence to a given form of conduct, practice etc.

(computing) One of several alternative computational paradigms for a given theory.

(literature) An approach to interpretation and/or evaluation focused on the (usually linguistic) structure of a literary work rather than on the contexts of its origin or reception.

(music) The tendency to elevate formal above expressive value in music, as in serialism.

(mathematics, physics) A particular mathematical or scientific theory or description of a given state or effect.

(linguistics, computing, mathematics) A formal expression of a grammar; a formal grammar; a set of rules of syntax that, without reference to semantics, determine whether a sequence of symbols is a well-formed sentence in a given formal language.

Source: Wiktionary

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Form"al*ism, n.

Definition: The practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to, or dependence on, external forms, esp. in matters of religion. Official formalism. Sir H. Rawlinson.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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