second nature

SEE SYNONYMS FOR second nature ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

an acquired habit or tendency in one's character that is so deeply ingrained as to appear automatic: Neatness is second nature to him.

Origin of second nature

First recorded in 1655–65

Words nearby second nature

second mate, second messenger, second molar, second mortgage, second name, second nature, second of arc, second papers, second person, second position, second quantum number

Words related to second nature

custom, familiarity, habit

Example sentences from the Web for second nature

  • She struck more chords, her fingers finding the keys with the second-nature sureness, learned in her months of dreary practice.

    Rough-Hewn |Dorothy Canfield

  • Telling lies is a fault in a boy, an art in a lover, an accomplishment in a bachelor, and second-nature in a married man.

    A Guide to Men |Helen Rowland

British Dictionary definitions for second nature

second nature

noun

a habit, characteristic, etc, not innate but so long practised or acquired as to seem so

Idioms and Phrases with second nature

second nature

A habit or mode of behavior so long practiced that it seems innate, as in Driving in heavy traffic is second nature to Chris. This expression is a shortened form of an ancient proverb, Custom (or usage) is a second nature, first recorded in 1390. It alludes to the fact that very frequently repeating something makes it seem completely natural or inborn.