by heart

Idioms  

1. Also, by rote. From memory; also, mechanically. For example, Betty had trouble learning the song by heart, but her teacher insisted on it, or Japanese schools put heavy emphasis on learning by rote. These terms are often put as. The first term was already used by Chaucer (in Troilus and Cressida). The variant, also dating from the 1300s, often implies mere memorization without deeper understanding. Both phrases remain in use, although this form of learning is no longer so widespread as it once was. Also see commit to memory.

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Example Sentences

In animal studies, the injectable material improved tissue damage caused by heart attacks in both rodents and large animals.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

On Saturday, Vonn completed her second training run in two days on the Olympic course to re-familiarize herself with a place she already knows by heart.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

“How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?” isn’t a timeless classic that kids are likely to know by heart as they do “The Night Before Christmas.”

From Salon • Dec. 11, 2025

The Cleveland Clinic says the condition is a result of insufficient oxygen in a person’s blood and is commonly caused by heart and lung conditions.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

"You do know your recipe by heart, don't you?"

From "Scream for Ice Cream: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #2" by Carolyn Keene