1. a person who adheres rigidly to formulas, rules, or established procedures rather than adapting to circumstances
Usage: often used critically to suggest inflexibility or lack of originality
2. a person who creates, develops, or specializes in formulas
Usage: technical or specialized use

Examples

• The formulist teacher refused to deviate from the textbook, even when students asked creative questions.
• Critics called him a formulist for always following the same artistic formula in his paintings.
• A formulist approach to problem-solving can sometimes miss innovative solutions.
• The formulist in the chemistry lab carefully documented every step of the procedure.
• Rather than being a formulist, she adapted her teaching methods to each student's needs.