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

At 7 Alfred could recite by heart Horace’s Odes—in Latin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

The drug, called TY1, represents an early example of a new group of treatments aimed at restoring tissue harmed by heart attacks, inflammatory disorders or other medical conditions.

From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2025

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2025

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.

From Salon • Sep. 23, 2025

These were all major chords in a revolutionary melody that most Virginians knew by heart.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis