at heart

phrase

: in essence : basically, essentially
a romantic at heart

Word History

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at heart was in 1735

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Cite this Entry

“At heart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20heart. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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