groundwork

nouns

the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained

"the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture"

base, basis, cornerstone, foundation, fundament, groundwork

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"

groundwork

is a type of (narrower)

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

"preparations for the ceremony had begun"