Inside the Universes

'groundwork'

[basis.n.02] as in: the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained

Examples:
the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture

'groundwork'

[foundation.n.03] as in: lowest support of a structure

Examples:
it was built on a base of solid rock
he stood at the foot of the tower

'groundwork'

[groundwork.n.03] as in: preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation

Examples:
we are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago

Origins

					groundwork (English)
├── ground (English)
│   └── grund (Old English (ca. 450-1100))
└── work (English)
    ├── weorc (Old English (ca. 450-1100))
    └── wyrċan (Old English (ca. 450-1100))