The meaning of FORMALISTIC is concerned with or characterized by formalism; often : employing or advocating formalism (as in ethics). How to use formalistic in a sentence.

formalistic adjective Characterized by a narrow concern for book learning and formal rules, without knowledge or experience of practical matters:

formalistic, adj. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

The refusal to give any special status to essential mathematical features like distributivity betrays a formalistic philosophy for which everything is arbitrary, and nothing is more important than anything …

Feb 21, 2026 · Adjective formalistic (comparative more formalistic, superlative most formalistic) Formalist.

Formalistic refers to an approach or style that is marked by adherence to prescribed or external forms, rules, or structures, especially in art, literature, music or critical analysis.

The term 'formalistic' originated in the early 20th century, primarily in the field of literary criticism. It derives from the word 'formalism', which refers to an approach that places importance on the formal …

FORMALISM definition: strict adherence to, or observance of, prescribed or traditional forms, as in music, poetry, and art. See examples of formalism used in a sentence.

formalistic, formalized, formalised - concerned with or characterized by rigorous or adherence to recognized forms (especially in religion or art); "highly formalized plays like `Waiting for Godot'"

4 days ago · formalistic Add to list Definitions of formalistic adjective concerned with or characterized by rigorous adherence to recognized forms (especially in religion or art)