How Do You Spell FORMALIST?

Pronunciation: [fˈɔːməlˌɪst] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "Formalist" is pronounced as /ˈfɔːrməlɪst/. The first syllable "for" is pronounced like "four" and the stress is on the second syllable "mal". The "ist" at the end is pronounced like "ist" in "artist" and "pianist". A Formalist is someone who adheres strictly to formalism, which is a theory that emphasizes the importance of form over content in art or literature. The correct spelling of this word is important to convey one's message effectively without any confusion.

FORMALIST Meaning and Definition

1. A formalist refers to someone who adheres to or is highly concerned with adhering to strict rules, principles, or conventions when it comes to artistic or literary creation, analysis, or interpretation. The formalist approach is characterized by its emphasis on the structure, technique, and style of a work rather than its content or context. Form is considered the most significant aspect of any artistic expression, and formalists prioritize analyzing the formal elements, such as shape, color, composition, rhythm, meter, rhyme, and syntax, among others.

   In literature, a formalist approach involves interpreting and evaluating a text by focusing on its inherent literary devices and techniques, disregarding external factors such as the author's biography or historical context. Formalists believe that the artistic experience lies in the aesthetic properties and formal structure of a piece, and meaning should be derived exclusively from the use of these elements. They often view art as an autonomous entity that exists independently of its creator or the society in which it was produced.

   Formalism also finds its application in visual arts, music, and architecture. For visual artists, formalist analysis involves examining the elements such as line, shape, color, texture, and composition to understand the work's aesthetic qualities and abstract content. In music, formalists emphasize the organization of musical ideas, including melody, harmony, rhythm, and structure, to unravel the overall form and the emotional effects it generates. In architecture, a formalist approach focuses on the pure aesthetic expression of a building, rather than its functional or social aspects.

   Overall, the formalist approach prioritizes the intrinsic elements and principles of a work of art, disregarding external factors and focusing on how these elements contribute to its overall structure, style, and artistic experience.

2. One who regards appearances only; a stickler for forms; a hypocrite.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for FORMALIST

• formast
• normalest
• forklist
• jourmalist
• ferealist
• farmacist
• formalisse
• formalistc
• formalisticc
• formalistic
• formalistik
• foraliet
• foramlist
• Formilist
• forierist

Etymology of FORMALIST

The word "Formalist" derives from the noun "form" combined with the suffix "-ist".

The noun "form" originated from the Latin word "forma", meaning shape, figure, or arrangement. It entered the English language in the late 13th century and referred to the external shape or constitution of an object. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass the structure, organization, or appearance of various aspects, such as art, literature, or philosophy.

The suffix "-ist" comes from the French suffix "-iste", itself derived from the Latin "-ista", which denotes a follower or practitioner of a particular doctrine, practice, or ideology. It entered the English language via French in the 16th century and is used to form nouns that refer to people with a particular skill, occupation, or belief.

Plural form of FORMALIST is FORMALISTS