formalism
nounFormalism is when you care a lot about following the rules and doing things the exact right way.
The teacher's formalism meant every homework paper had to have the same heading.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In art and literature, an approach that focuses on the form and structure of a work rather than its meaning or message.
The critic's formalism led her to analyze the painting's shapes and colors instead of its story.
3. In math and logic, the practice of treating symbols and rules as pure formal systems without worrying about what they mean.
His formalism in mathematics meant proving theorems by following strict rules of symbol manipulation.
4. A style of religious or legal practice that emphasizes outward ceremonies and rules over inner feeling.
Some worshippers felt the church's formalism had replaced genuine spiritual experience.