second nature



second nature

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.
See also: nature, second

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Eytan-Hebrew
Orianao-RYAH-nahItalian
Peters['pi:təz]
Nels-Danish
Burkett['bɜ:kit]
EadbhÁRd-Irish