Definition
形式主义 refers to a mindset or practice that prioritizes outward form over substance or real content. In contemporary Chinese political and social discourse, it carries a strong negative connotation — often used to criticize activities done merely for show, bureaucratic rituals, or 'going through the motions' without genuine effect. The term also appears in philosophy and art theory as 'formalism' (valuing form over content), but the everyday usage is almost always critical of empty formalities.
n.
formalism (in philosophy, art, or literary theory — emphasis on form over content)(pejorative) going through the motionsempty formalitiesact of prioritizing appearance over substance
Examples
- 形式主义，。Zhè zhǒng huìyì chúncuì shì xíng shì zhǔ yì, yì diǎn shíjì wèntí dōu méi jiějué.This kind of meeting is pure formalism — it didn't solve any real problems at all.
- 形式主义。Fǎnduì xíng shì zhǔ yì cáinéng ràng gōngzuò zhēnzhèng luò dào shíchù.Only by opposing formalism can work truly be carried out effectively.
- ，形式主义。Zài wénxué pínglùn zhōng, xíng shì zhǔ yì qiángdiào zuòpǐn de jiégòu ér hūlüè nèiróng.In literary criticism, formalism emphasizes a work's structure while ignoring its content.
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