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1. The doctrine that formal structure rather than content is what should be represented
    
2. (philosophy) the philosophical theory that formal (logical or mathematical) statements have no meaning but that its symbols (regarded as physical entities) exhibit a form that has useful applications
    
3. The practice of scrupulous adherence to prescribed or external forms

Derived forms: formalisms

Type of: doctrine, ism, pattern, philosophical doctrine, philosophical system, philosophical theory, philosophy, practice, school of thought

Antonym: imitation

Encyclopedia: Formalism