1. Concerned with or emphasizing form, procedure, or rules rather than substance, meaning, or practical effect.
Usage: Often used critically to suggest excessive attention to form at the expense of content or purpose.
2. Of or relating to formalism, especially in art, literature, or philosophy; prioritizing formal structure and technique over content or emotional expression.
Usage: Used in art criticism, literary analysis, and philosophy.

Examples

• The committee's formalistic approach to hiring ignored the candidates' actual qualifications.
• Her formalistic interpretation of the law left no room for compassion or context.
• The formalistic style of the painting emphasized geometric shapes over realistic representation.
• Critics argued that the formalistic requirements of the application process were unnecessarily complicated.
• His formalistic adherence to grammar rules sometimes made his writing sound unnatural.
• The formalistic structure of the sonnet has been used by poets for centuries.
• The judge's formalistic ruling focused on technicalities rather than justice.