formalist
nounUK /ˈfɔːməlɪst/
US /ˈfɔːrməlɪst/
A formalist is someone who cares a lot about following rules and doing things the exact right way.
The art teacher was a formalist who insisted every drawing follow the same strict rules.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A person who believes that art should be judged mainly by its form and technique rather than its meaning or feelings.
As a formalist, she studied the painting's shapes and colors instead of its story.
3. Someone who follows a strict set of rules in religion or law without caring about the spirit behind them.
The formalist judge applied the old law word for word.
4. Relating to a style of thinking that focuses on structure and rules.
His formalist approach to music made him notice every pattern in the song.