groundwork

n 1: the fundamental assumptions underlying an explanation; "the

whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture" [syn: {basis},

{base}, {foundation}, {fundament}, {cornerstone}]

2: lowest supporting part of a structure; "it was built on a

base of solid rock"; "he stood at the foot of the tower"

[syn: {foundation}, {base}, {fundament}, {foot}, {substructure},

{understructure}]