second nature

American  

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.

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second nature British  

noun

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

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second nature Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of second nature

First recorded in 1655–65

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

second nature

Office worker Ann-Marie Derrick admitted fellow staff members had found it a pain to begin with, but it had now become "second nature".

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

It’s so second nature that if men are aware they are doing it, they can’t remember ever not doing it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

Kwan said she would attend presentations with her sales team and rehearse what she saw in the mirror “over and over and over again” until it became second nature.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026

It takes an exceptional piece of art to inspire audiences to think twice about what comes as second nature, to choose compassionate contemplation over ardent debate.

From Salon ● Apr. 9, 2026

Ma had taken me in hand, pushing me to cook more complicated dishes, coaching me through the advanced sewing techniques that were second nature to her.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

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