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

I used to know the secret menu by heart before they started putting it on the actual menu.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

His voice was stronger than ever as he boomed out lyrics everyone knew by heart.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 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

Beto knew each word of the article by heart.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez