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形式主義

简形式主义 · 繁形式主義

Mandarin · pinyin xíng shì zhǔ yì

formalism (in philosophy, art, or literary theory)
excessive concern with form over substance

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Characters in this entry

形: xíng · form, shape, appearance
式: shì · style, system, formula, rule
主: zhǔ · master, chief owner; host; lord
義: Look up this written character
义: yì · right conduct, righteousness

Written characters and their own readings; the entry’s pronunciation is shown above.

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Mandarin tones

2–4–3–4 · xing2 shi4 zhu3 yi4

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Read this spelling in Classical texts

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Compare dictionary sources Wiktionary · 2 senses

Wiktionary English definitions · Chinese section

Independent source senses for this spelling, with usage labels retained. Not matched to the pronunciation above.

noun

(linguistics, computing, mathematics) formalism
excessive red tape; bureaucracy

Source page · dump 2026-09-02 · Contributors & history

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