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View synonyms for second nature
second nature
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.
second nature
noun
- a habit, characteristic, etc, not innate but so long practised or acquired as to seem so
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Word History and Origins
Origin of second nature1
First recorded in 1655–65
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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.Discover More
Example Sentences
She struck more chords, her fingers finding the keys with the second-nature sureness, learned in her months of dreary practice.
From Project Gutenberg
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.
From Project Gutenberg
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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