the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained
"the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture"
lowest support of a structure
"it was built on a base of solid rock"
"he stood at the foot of the tower"
preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation
"we are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago"
The foundation; the basic or fundamental parts that support or allow for the rest.
"After months of research and planning, the team finally had enough groundwork laid to begin construction on the new hospital wing."