form criticism

American  

noun

1. a method of textual analysis, applied especially to the Bible, in which the origin and history of certain passages are traced by isolating their literary forms, as miracle story, saying, or apothegm, on the assumption that they were fixed by oral tradition prior to compilation in written form.

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form criticism British  

noun

1. literary criticism concerned esp with analysing the Bible in terms of the literary forms used, such as proverbs, songs, or stories, and relating them to their historical forms and background

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Other Word Forms

• form critic
  noun
• form critical
  adjective
• form-critical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of form criticism

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Luis Suarez said as much when he retired from international football, using a news conference to criticise what he considered Bielsa's lack of warmth, his treatment of players and the tense atmosphere in camp.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

He told the three-judge panel that the court must not pay "lip service" to human rights, adding that the right to criticise state organs is protected by China's constitution.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Pope Leo has responded to attacks by US President Donald Trump, saying he hoped to be able to preach the Gospel and about peace, but anyone was free to criticise him.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

"If someone wants to criticise me for preaching the Gospel... I hope simply to be listened to because of the value of God's words."

From BBC • May 5, 2026

It would give them more to criticise, more to discuss.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier