by heart

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.

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Beset by heart disease for most of his life, he underwent a transplant in 2012.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Vexed by heart trouble for much of his adult life, Cheney died Monday night due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a statement from his family.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Fans, who know the standard setlist by heart, are enraptured, singing back every word at full volume.

Read more on BBC

At the time, my musical tastes ran towards things that were faster and louder, although I know every single word of that first Indigo Girls album by heart.

Read more on Salon