| Noun | 1. | groundwork - the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained; "the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture"explanation - thought that makes something comprehensible meat and potatoes - the fundamental part; "successful negotiation is the meat and potatoes of arbitration" | |
| 2. | groundwork - lowest support of a structure; "it was built on a base of solid rock"; "he stood at the foot of the tower"bed - a foundation of earth or rock supporting a road or railroad track; "the track bed had washed away" raft foundation - a foundation (usually on soft ground) consisting of an extended layer of reinforced concrete structure, construction - a thing constructed; a complex construction or entity; "the structure consisted of a series of arches"; "she wore her hair in an amazing construction of whirls and ribbons" support - supporting structure that holds up or provides a foundation; "the statue stood on a marble support" | |
| 3. | groundwork - preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation; "we are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago"preparation, readying - the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose; "preparations for the ceremony had begun" | |