Formalism: meaning, definitions and examples
๐จ
formalism
[ หfษหrmษlษชzษm ]
art theory
Formalism is an approach to art, literature, and criticism that emphasizes the formal elements of a work, such as line, color, and shape in art, or structure and style in literature. It asserts that the value of a work is derived from its form rather than its content or context. In literary criticism, formalism treats the text as a self-contained entity, focusing on its internal features and how they contribute to meaning, without considering historical or biographical factors. This perspective can also be applied in the analysis of other cultural artifacts, stressing the significance of artistic technique and composition.
Synonyms
aestheticism, classicism, structuralism
Examples of usage
- The museum's exhibit focused on the principles of formalism in modern art.
- Critics often debated the merits of formalism versus expressionism in literature.
- She applied formalism to analyze the structure of the poem.
- His training in formalism allowed him to critique works with great precision.
Translations
Translations of the word "formalism" in other languages:
๐ต๐น formalismo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคชเคเคพเคฐเคฟเคเคคเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Formalismus
๐ฎ๐ฉ formalisme
๐บ๐ฆ ัะพัะผะฐะปัะทะผ
๐ต๐ฑ formalizm
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฝขๅผไธป็พฉ
๐ซ๐ท formalisme
๐ช๐ธ formalismo
๐น๐ท formalizm
๐ฐ๐ท ํ์์ฃผ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุฑุณู ููุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ formalismus
๐ธ๐ฐ formalizmus
๐จ๐ณ ๅฝขๅผไธปไน
๐ธ๐ฎ formalizem
๐ฎ๐ธ formalisma
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะพัะผะฐะปะธะทะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แคแแ แแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ formalizm
๐ฒ๐ฝ formalismo
Word origin
The term 'formalism' originates from the early 19th century, deriving from the French word 'formalisme'. It was initially employed in legal contexts, where it referred to the strict adherence to prescribed forms and procedures. The application of the term expanded in the 20th century with the emergence of formalism as a significant movement in various artistic and literary domains. Pioneers of formalist theory, particularly in the fields of art and literature, sought to create frameworks for understanding works based solely on their formal qualities. This approach often contrasted with more historical or contextual examinations of artwork, driving discussions about the role of form versus content in interpretation. Formalism influenced various disciplines, including linguistics and philosophy, solidifying its place in the broader discourse on aesthetics and analysis.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #14,540, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
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- 14537 inexhaustible
- 14538 centimeter
- 14539 cider
- 14540 formalism
- 14541 syllabus
- 14542 quantified
- 14543 invocation
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