ENGLISH
REFERENCE

formulaic

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌfɔɹmjəˈɫeɪɪk// UK //fˌɔːmjʊlˈeɪɪk// for·mu·la·ic

adj. following a fixed plan or pattern. It describes something that is done the same way every time, often because it is boring or lacks creativity.

adj. following a fixed plan, pattern, or set of rules. Often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of originality or a mechanical, repetitive quality.


SIMPLE

The movie has a formulaic plot that you have seen many times before.

CONTEXTUAL

The marketing team's approach to social media was so formulaic that every post looked exactly the same.

COMPLEX

While the technical execution of the symphony was flawless, the composition was criticized for being formulaic, relying on predictable harmonic progressions rather than innovative thematic development.

Origin

From formula + -ic.

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