Words / B2

GROWNDW-urk/ˈɡraʊndwɜːk/

Groundwork is preparatory work: lay the groundwork; the groundwork for reform. Preparation is the everyday twin; foundation (already in the dictionary) is often more structural. The literature review is the groundwork. Usually uncountable. Do not use it for digging a literal hole unless the context is building.

Meaning

Work done to prepare for something.

Examples

• “The literature review is the groundwork; the experiment comes after.”
• “Talks laid the groundwork for the pay deal, which is the politics sense.”

Good to know

lay / do the groundwork; the groundwork for. Everyday: preparation. Related: foundation. Uncountable. Essays, diplomacy, and projects.

Near in meaning

preparation

New