groundwork Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
    foundation; basis; base; fundament; cornerstone.
    • the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture
  2. noun lowest support of a structure
    foundation; substructure; understructure; base; fundament; foot.
    • it was built on a base of solid rock
    • he stood at the foot of the tower
  3. noun preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation
    • we are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago

WordNet

Ground"work` noun
Definitions
  1. That which forms the foundation or support of anything; the basis; the essential or fundamental part; first principle. Dryden.

Webster 1913