groundwork

[ground-wurk]

noun

1. foundation or basis.

   He laid the groundwork for an international conference.

groundwork

/ ˈɡraʊndˌwɜːk /

noun

1. preliminary work as a foundation or basis

2. the ground or background of a painting, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of groundwork¹

First recorded in 1540–50; ground ¹ + work

Example Sentences

The plan would create a legal mandate for an international stabilization force and lay the groundwork for a new transitional government in Gaza through a “Board of Peace” that would initially oversee Gaza’s reconstruction.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Still in the early stages, Smith hopes that by doing the groundwork a private company will eventually take over and build it.

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Plus, recent investments in artificial intelligence, including a deal with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, suggest the company is already laying the groundwork for the next stage of growth.

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Since she’d laid out the groundwork with her previous release, she approached its follow-up with a carefree sense of freedom.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Reeves had laid the groundwork for tax rises, including in a speech last week in which she said her budget choices would be focused on getting inflation down.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• preparation 

When To Use

What is groundwork?

Groundwork is a foundation or basis.Groundwork can describe an actual plot of land for a building or construct, but it can also be used figuratively to describe the beginnings of a negotiation or agreement.Example: I’m laying the groundwork for a new partnership right now.