definition of
groundwork

[1] #1 groundwork n. [basis, base, foundation, fundament, cornerstone] the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained; "the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture". wn

[2] #2 groundwork n. [foundation, base, fundament, foot, substructure, understructure] lowest support of a structure; "it was built on a base of solid rock"; "he stood at the foot of the tower". wn

[3] #3 groundwork n. preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation; "we are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago". wn