Example: I need to learn the poem by heart for class tomorrow.
Definition
"Learn by heart" means to memorize something thoroughly so that it can be recalled perfectly without needing to read or see it again. For example, if you "learn a poem by heart," you can recite it from memory without any prompts or notes.
Translations
aprender de memoria
uit het hoofd leren
aprendre de memòria
apprendre par cœur
auswendig lernen
Etymology
The phrase "learn by heart" originates from the Middle Ages, when the heart was considered the seat of memory and emotion. Did you know that "heart" in this context doesn't just mean the organ but symbolizes deep understanding and retention? The phrase has been used for centuries to describe memorization that is deeply ingrained.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Learn by heart" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (A2) - set 1", containing 104 commonly used expressions.
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