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1. The fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
   "the whole argument rested on a groundwork of conjecture"
   - basis, base, foundation, fundament, cornerstone
    
2. Lowest support of a structure
   "it was built on a groundwork of solid rock"
   - foundation, base, fundament, foot, substructure, understructure
    
3. Preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation
   "we are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago"

Derived forms: groundworks

Type of: assumption, preparation, readying, support, supposal, supposition

Part of: construction, explanation, structure

Encyclopedia: Groundwork