Groundwork

groundwork
noun1the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained; "the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture"[syn: basis]2lowest support of a structure; "it was built on a base of solid rock"; "he stood at the foot of the tower"[syn: foundation]3preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation; "we are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago"