at heart

phrase

: in essence : basically, essentially

a romantic at heart

Examples of at heart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Holley encouraged voters to put aside party interests and focus on those who have their best interests at heart. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026

The Grammy-winning singer will always be a lover girl at heart. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026

There are certainly French sensibilities that shape the experience too, from the entertainment to the dining, which is always French at heart. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

But his affinity for American writing was, at heart, existential. — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for at heart

• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• rampart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart
• upstart