What does “By heart” mean?
"By heart" means to know something very well and be able to remember it perfectly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I can recite the poem by heart.
Example
She knows all the lyrics by heart.
Example
He can solve math problems by heart
Is “By heart” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“By heart” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “By heart” effectively in context?
You can use "By heart" to describe knowing something very well and being able to remember it perfectly. It implies a deep understanding and familiarity with the information or material. For example, if someone asks you how you know all the lyrics to a song, you can say, 'I've listened to it so many times that I know it "by heart".'
- 1Education
After studying for hours, she was able to recite the entire speech by heart.
- 2Music
He has listened to that album so many times that he knows all the songs by heart.
- 3Mathematics
With practice, he became so proficient that he could solve complex equations by heart.
Similar phrases to “By heart”:
To learn or commit something to memory
Example
He spent hours trying to memorize all the lines for the play.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “By heart” come from?
The origin of the phrase "By heart" is unknown.
Is “By heart” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "By heart" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe their knowledge or memorization of something.
What tone does “By heart” have?
"By heart" conveys a tone of expertise and mastery. It suggests a deep understanding and familiarity with the subject matter.
Can “By heart” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "By heart" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a high level of knowledge or memorization. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, interviews, or academic discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She knows the poem "by heart".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I know it "by heart"!' to emphasize your familiarity with something.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- know by memory
- know by rote
- know perfectly
- know thoroughly
- know backwards and forwards
Antonyms
- forget
- not know at all
- be unfamiliar with
- be clueless about
