Definition

1. Noun:
   • Formalism: A strict or excessive adherence to prescribed forms, rules, or ceremonies, often at the expense of inner meaning, content, or function. It emphasizes outward appearance and structure over substance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Chúng ta cần tránh hình thức chủ nghiã trong công việc. (We need to avoid formalism in our work.)
  • Bài phê bình chỉ trích sự hình thức chủ nghiã trong nghệ thuật. (The critique condemned the formalism in the art.)
  • Đừng để hình thức chủ nghiã làm giảm hiệu quả thực tế. (Don't let formalism reduce practical effectiveness.)

Advanced Usage

• "hình thức chủ nghiã" in Philosophy/Aesthetics: In philosophy and art criticism, it refers to a theory that the artistic value of a work lies solely in its form, structure, and arrangement of elements, rather than in its narrative, emotional, or representational content.

Variants and Related Words

• Chủ nghĩa hình thức: This is a common variant with the same meaning, literally translating to "the doctrine of form" or "formalism."
  • Chủ nghĩa hình thức đôi khi bị phê phán là thiếu chiều sâu. (Formalism is sometimes criticized for lacking depth.)

Synonyms

• Formalism: The primary and direct synonym.
• Red tape: Refers specifically to bureaucratic formalism involving complex rules and procedures.
• Ritualism: Excessive adherence to ritual, a type of formalism in religious or ceremonial contexts.

Related Concepts

• Hình thức (Form): The outward appearance, structure, or arrangement, which is the focus of "hình thức chủ nghiã."
• Nội dung (Content): The substance or meaning, which is often contrasted with mere form in discussions about formalism.

1. Formalistic