groundwork

Plural: groundworks

Noun

• the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
• lowest support of a structure
• preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation
  • "we are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago"
• The foundation; the basic or fundamental parts that support or allow for the rest.

Examples

• The discovery of the laws of electricity laid the groundwork for a century of innovation.

Synonyms

base, basis, cornerstone, foot, foundation, fundament, substructure, understructure

Related Words

formwork, legwork, spadework