# formalism

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈfɔːməlɪz(ə)m/ · frequency rank #42,647

## Definitions
1. Strict adherence to a given form of conduct, practice etc.
2. One of several alternative computational paradigms for a given theory.
3. 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.
4. The tendency to elevate formal above expressive value in music, as in serialism.
5. A particular mathematical or scientific theory or description of a given state or effect.
6. 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.
7. The ontological view of mathematics as a mere collection of string manipulation rules.

## Etymology
From formal + -ism.

## Easily confused with
- **formality** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/formalism-vs-formality)

## Common misspellings (14)
`fformalism`, `fomralism`, `foramlism`, `formailsm`, `formalims`, `formalismm`, `formalissm`, `formallism`, `formalsim`, `formlaism`, `formmalism`, `forrmalism`, `fromalism`, `ofrmalism`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/formalism