groundwork

Definition

The foundation; the basic or fundamental parts that support or allow for the rest.

Etymology

From ground + work.

Example Sentences

• "The discovery of the laws of electricity laid the groundwork for a century of innovation."
• "This outline programme was compiled by a working party consisting of members from the Regional Planning Office, the civil, mechanical and electrical, and signal engineering departments and the traffic services, on the basis of much groundwork done within each of these departments."

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