Main Entry: for·mal·ism

Pronunciation: \ˈfȯr-mə-ˌli-zəm\

Function: noun

Date: 1839

1 : the practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to prescribed or external forms (as in religion or art); also : an instance of this
2 : marked attention to arrangement, style, or artistic means (as in art or literature) usually with corresponding de-emphasis of content

— for·mal·ist \-list\ noun or adjective

— for·mal·is·tic \ˌfȯr-mə-ˈlis-tik\ adjective