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by heart
/baɪ hɑrt/
from memory
She learned the poem by heart in just one evening.
She memorized the poem completely without needing to read it.
neutral
from memory; memorized word for word
The actor recited his lines by heart during the performance.
The actor spoke his lines without referring to a script.
I know this song by heart—I’ve listened to it a hundred times.
I can sing this song without needing to read the lyrics.
Used to describe knowing something so well that it can be recited or performed without external aids.
Collocations
know by heartto have memorized something completelylearn by heartto memorize something thoroughlyrecite by heartto say something from memory
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Memory Technique
Use 'by heart' when describing something memorized so thoroughly that it can be recalled instantly, not just vaguely remembered.
Gold Rule
Use 'by heart' for complete memorization
Reserve 'by heart' for situations where the material is known so well that it can be recited or performed without hesitation or reference to external sources.
Word Origin
The phrase 'by heart' dates back to Old English 'heorte,' meaning the seat of emotions and memory. The preposition 'by' here implies 'through the agency of,' suggesting that something is internalized through the heart or mind.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in contexts involving memorization, such as learning lines, songs, or speeches. Not to be confused with the literal meaning of 'heart' as an organ.
Word Breakdown
by
through the agency of
prepositionheart
the mind or memory
nounEnglish Dictionary