second nature

noun

1. an acquired habit or tendency in one's character that is so deeply ingrained as to appear automatic.

   Neatness is second nature to him.

second nature

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of second nature¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

She did all this calmly, without seeming effort, for caring for children in this way was second nature to her and left her mind free to wander.

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He's still a teenager whose pace and ability to ghost past defenders is second nature to him.

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The idea is that once it comes to gametime, passes can come from any direction and hauling them in becomes second nature because it’s such a familiar process.

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“It was very much second nature to us.”

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“The way that she thinks and moves and speaks and acts and behaves is almost second nature because of how long I’ve lived in her,” Ramsey says.

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