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

Example Sentences

She wraps her arm around me like it’s second nature, and I lean into her and she leans into me until we make up one leaning person.

From Literature

It was evidently second nature by now, which explained why he looked as if he hadn’t been out in the sun for years.

From Literature

On the other hand, when you count backward, it is second nature.

From Literature

He was sick of crying, tired of feeling sad, but it was like second nature to him now.

From Literature

And they talk among themselves as if their knowledge were second nature to every educated person.

From Literature