By rote Meaning in English
expression
ˈbaɪ/ /ˈɹoʊt
BY ROHT
bˈaɪ/ /ɹˈəʊt
BY ROHT
Definition
If you do something 'by rote', you do it by memorizing without really understanding; it means learning or doing something mechanically, not thoughtfully.
Usage & Nuances
This phrase is often used in education to criticize learning that lacks real understanding. Collocates with 'learn', 'repeat', 'study'. Suggests something automatic, not creative. Often carries a negative tone.
Spanish: de memoria - mecánicamentePortuguese (BR): de cor - mecanicamentePortuguese (PT): de cor - mecanicamenteChinese (Simplified): 死记硬背Chinese (Traditional): 死記硬背Hindi: रटकरArabic: عن ظهر قلب - بشكل آليBengali: মুখস্থ করে - যন্ত্রের মতো (শেখা বা করা)Russian: наизусть - механическиJapanese: 丸暗記で - 機械的にVietnamese: học vẹt - học thuộc lòng (một cách máy móc)Korean: 기계적으로 - 외워서Turkish: ezberden - mekanik olarakUrdu: رٹا لگا کر - بغیر سمجھےIndonesian: học vẹt - máy móc
Example Sentences
I memorized the poem by rote.
basic
Some students learn vocabulary by rote.
basic
He answers the questions by rote but doesn't understand them.
basic
I passed the test just by rote, not because I really knew the material.
natural
You can’t solve real problems by rote—you have to understand the concepts.
natural
My teacher warned me not to study by rote for the exam.
natural