What is another word for knew by rote?
Pronunciation: [njˈuː ba͡ɪ ɹˈə͡ʊt] (IPA) 
When a person knows something by rote, it means that the information has been committed to memory without necessarily having a deep understanding of its meaning or significance. Synonyms for this phrase might include "memorized," "recited from memory," "learnt by heart," or "committed to memory." Each of these phrases implies that the individual has the information in question firmly memorized, but may not necessarily have a strong understanding of it beyond the ability to recite it. Other possible synonyms for "knew by rote" might include "rattled off," "repeated mechanically," or "recalled by rote." In any case, these phrases all indicate a degree of surface-level familiarity with information rather than deep comprehension.
