How to Pronounce "lay the groundwork"
expression
ˈɫeɪ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɡɹaʊndˌwɝk
LAY thuh GROUND-work
lˈeɪ/ /ðə, ði/ /ɡɹˈaʊndwɜːk
LAY thuh GROUND-wurk
Definition
To do the essential early work that makes something else possible in the future, especially in planning or preparing for a bigger project or goal.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɫeɪ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɡɹaʊndˌwɝk
British English
lˈeɪ/ /ðə, ði/ /ɡɹˈaʊndwɜːk
Simplified Pronunciation
US
LAY thuh GROUND-work
UK
LAY thuh GROUND-wurk
Listen in Context
We need to lay the groundwork before starting the project.
Good teachers lay the groundwork for future learning.
They are working hard to lay the groundwork for peace.
The early meetings really laid the groundwork for our success.