second nature

noun

Definition of second nature

: an acquired deeply ingrained habit or skill after a while, using the gearshift becomes second nature

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Examples of second nature in a Sentence

After a while, using the gearshift becomes second nature. speaking and thinking in Japanese simply became second nature to her during the years she spent in Kyoto

Recent Examples on the Web

Establishing consistent routines with clear expectations can help kids develop organizational habits that, with time, can hopefully become second nature. — Jon Gorey, BostonGlobe.com, "Is your kids’ clutter driving you crazy? These six tips can help.," 25 July 2019 Logistics capabilities that were second nature during the Cold War have deteriorated. — Daniel Michaels, WSJ, "NATO Dusts Off a Cold War Skill: Moving Troops," 24 Oct. 2018 This can be exceptionally hard some days and come as complete second nature on others. — Misty Bell Stiers, Quartz at Work, "Pride month is over. The need for safe spaces at work is not," 13 July 2019 The first rule of reality TV has become second nature to her: everything is always a performance. — The Economist, "Power-walking with Kathy Griffin," 12 July 2019 Though skiing soon became second nature, the dearth of affordable yet stylish ski gear kept her from feeling completely comfortable on the slopes. — Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, "Introducing Matek, a New Line of Cutting-Edge Ski Intimates," 4 Dec. 2018 For a lot of us, loyalty to country is second nature, a quiet assumption that goes without saying — even when our country fails to show its loyalty in return. — Tyrone Beason / Columnist, The Seattle Times, "Kazuo Yamane’s WWII story shows the lengths to which some must go to prove their loyalty to America," 11 Nov. 2018 This tendency seems fitting for a twosome whose bond was built on an unexpected connection, and for whom embracing the new and never-seen-before is second nature. — Shoko Wanger, House Beautiful, "This Woman-Run Studio Designs Gorgeous Restaurants You’ll Want to Call Home," 13 Feb. 2019 Braille and accessible phone and computer tech become second nature. — Peg Rosen, Good Housekeeping, "Blindness Can't Stop Me from Living the Life I Want to Live," 14 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'second nature.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.