Following a set formula or pattern; lacking originality or creativity; mechanical and predictable.
From formula + -aic (Greek -aikos, adjectival suffix). The suffix adds the meaning 'relating to or characterized by' the noun, so formulaic means 'characterized by formulas.'
Formulaic has become almost entirely negative in modern use—we use it to criticize blockbuster movies and pop songs for following predictable patterns, but it originally just meant 'expressed as a formula,' showing how language loading adds attitude over time.
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