by heart
English meaning: By heart
Definition
To know or learn something so well that you can recite it from memory.
Example
“She knows the whole poem by heart.”
Another example: “She knew the whole speech by heart and didn't need her notes.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A fixed phrase meaning from memory, so well that you can recite it exactly. Neutral register; common in education ('learn a poem by heart'). 'Know it by heart' is the usual form.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From an old belief that the heart was the seat of memory and intellect.
Synonyms
- from memory
- by rote
- memorized
Related Words
Common Collocations
- learn by heart
- know by heart
- by heart
- memorize by heart
- recite by heart
Word Forms
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Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B