Formalism Meaning
/ˈfɔːməlɪz(ə)m/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounStrict adherence to a given form of conduct, practice etc.
nounOne of several alternative computational paradigms for a given theory.
Sentence Examples
The artist rejected traditional formalism.
Formalism dominated the literary movement.
The artist rejected the rigid formalism of the academy.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The artist's strict attention to rules shows his commitment to ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In literature, ____ emphasizes the structure and language of a text over its historical context.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English formal Proto-Indo-European *-id- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-idyéti Proto-Hellenic *-íďďō Ancient Greek -ῐ́ζω (-ĭ́zō) Proto-Indo-European *-mos Proto-Indo-European *-mós Ancient Greek -μός (-mós) Ancient Greek -ισμός (-ismós)der. English -ism English formalism From formal + -ism.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Heisenberg seems to have been motivated by his intense annoyance that Schrödinger's more intuitive version of quantum theory was more widely accepted than his own, even though both formalisms led to the same results."
— 2011, Brian Cox, Jeff Forshaw, The Quantum Universe, Allen Lane, published 2011, page 54:
"Dirac approaches quantum mechanics by means of a so-called symbolic method, the bracket formalism. Although this formalism has a mathematical flavour, in fact, it is based upon bold claims which lack mathematical foundation."
— 1986, S. J. L. van Eijndhoven, J. de Graaf, A Mathematical Introduction to Dirac's Formalism, Elsevier (North-Holland), page ix:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The artist's strict attention to rules shows his commitment to ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In literature, ____ emphasizes the structure and language of a text over its historical context.