SECOND NATURE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does second nature mean? 

• SECOND NATURE (noun)
  The noun SECOND NATURE has 1 sense:

1. acquired behavior that is practiced so long it seems innate

  Familiarity information: SECOND NATURE used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SECOND NATURE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Acquired behavior that is practiced so long it seems innate

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("second nature" is a kind of...):

habit; use ((psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition)

 Context examples 

He had lived all his life in the working-class world, and the camaraderie of labor was second nature with him.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

But you were so much better than I, so necessary to me in every boyish hope and disappointment, that to have you to confide in, and rely upon in everything, became a second nature, supplanting for the time the first and greater one of loving you as I do!

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

It has become a second nature, said Mrs. Steerforth, without any displeasure; but I remember,—and so must you, I think,—when your manner was different, Rosa; when it was not so guarded, and was more trustful.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)