groundworks

1. the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explainedExamples: "the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture"Synonyms: base, basis, cornerstone, foundation, fundament, groundwork

2. lowest support of a structureExamples: "it was built on a base of solid rock"; "he stood at the foot of the tower"Synonyms: base, foot, foundation, fundament, groundwork, substructure, understructure

3. preliminary preparation as a basis or foundationExamples: "we are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago"Synonyms: groundwork