second nature: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral to informal
Quick answer
What does “second nature” mean?
An acquired skill or habit that has become so ingrained and automatic through repeated practice that it feels completely natural and instinctive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An acquired skill or habit that has become so ingrained and automatic through repeated practice that it feels completely natural and instinctive.
The state where a learned behavior or pattern of thinking requires no conscious effort, as if it were an innate part of one's character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or syntactic differences. Minor differences in pronunciation (IPA).
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “second nature” in a Sentence
For + [person/pronoun] + it + be/become + second nature + to-infinitive[Activity/Behavior] + be/become + second nature[It/That] + be + second natureVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second nature” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- After a month of practice, changing gears felt quite second nature.
- His confidence in public speaking is now second nature.
American English
- Checking her blind spot is second nature to her.
- Using keyboard shortcuts has become second nature.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describing skills crucial to a role, e.g., 'For a seasoned negotiator, reading body language is second nature.'
Academic
Describing mastery of a method or theory, e.g., 'Statistical analysis became second nature after years of research.'
Everyday
Describing daily tasks or learned skills, e.g., 'Driving a manual car is second nature to me now.'
Technical
Rare in highly technical contexts except as a metaphor for expert-level fluency with tools or procedures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second nature”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second nature”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second nature”
- Using as a verb ('I second-nature it'). Incorrect article use ('a second nature' is rare). Using for innate talents ('Singing was second nature to her from birth' is illogical; it must be learned).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a noun phrase, but it functions as a predicate adjective (after 'be', 'become', 'feel') describing a subject, e.g., 'It is second nature.' You cannot say 'a second nature skill' (attributive adjective).
No, that is the key distinction. 'Second nature' explicitly refers to a skill, habit, or behavior that was LEARNED and practiced to the point of feeling instinctive. Innate talents or characteristics are your 'first' nature.
A habit is a regular practice. 'Second nature' implies a habit or skill has been mastered to such a profound degree that it requires zero conscious thought and feels completely natural, like breathing. It's a stronger, more metaphorical term.
It is possible but uncommon and often sounds awkward. The standard usage is without an article: 'It became second nature.' Using 'a' can imply one of multiple possible 'natures,' which is not the standard metaphorical meaning.
An acquired skill or habit that has become so ingrained and automatic through repeated practice that it feels completely natural and instinctive.
Second nature is usually neutral to informal in register.
Second nature: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈneɪtʃə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈneɪtʃər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As easy as breathing”
- “Like riding a bicycle”
- “In one's blood”
- “In one's bones”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of your FIRST nature as what you're born with (breathing). Your SECOND nature is what you master so well it feels just as natural (typing, riding a bike).
Conceptual Metaphor
A LEARNED BEHAVIOR IS AN INBORN INSTINCT / MASTERY IS NATURE.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'second nature' correctly?