groundwork
NOUN:
1. foundation or basis:
He laid the groundwork for an international conference; laid the groundwork for a new program;
—also, preparation made beforehand:
the groundwork was done before the winter tour. —Susan Reiter.
2. preliminary work as a foundation or basis.
Example:
They had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art. —Merriam-Webster.
of a painting, etc:
the ground or background.
Origin:
First recorded in 1540–50; ground1 + work. —Dictionary.com. // First Known Use of groundwork: 15th century. —Merriam-Webster.
Sources: 1, 2.
1. foundation or basis:
He laid the groundwork for an international conference; laid the groundwork for a new program;
—also, preparation made beforehand:
the groundwork was done before the winter tour. —Susan Reiter.
2. preliminary work as a foundation or basis.
Example:
They had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art. —Merriam-Webster.
of a painting, etc:
the ground or background.
Origin:
First recorded in 1540–50; ground1 + work. —Dictionary.com. // First Known Use of groundwork: 15th century. —Merriam-Webster.
Sources: 1, 2.