the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained; the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture

[ Syn: basis , base , foundation , fundament , cornerstone ]

lowest support of a structure; it was built on a base of solid rock; he stood at the foot of the tower

[ Syn: foundation , base , fundament , foot , substructure , understructure ]

preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation; we are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago'