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View synonyms for second nature

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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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.
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Example Sentences

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

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.

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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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