base: implies an underlying element that supports or seems to support something material or immaterial: the ~ of a column. (support支持to hold something up and prevent it from falling down支撑某物防止下落,如a platform supported by pillars平台由支柱支撑着,如the bridge's supports桥的支撑物,technical support技术支持,引申为同意赞成帮助证明鼓励拥护等广泛含义)
basis: similar in meaning, is rarely used of material things and usually carries a more definite implication of support: used those facts as the ~ of her argument.
foundation: tends to imply solidity in what underlies and supports and fixity or stability in what is supported: the beliefs rested on a ~ of firm conviction.
ground: suggests solidity and is likely to imply a substratum comparable to the earth in its capacity to support and sometimes to justify: behavior that was ~ for dismissal. justify证明合理to provide grounds for doing or saying something提供证据证明合理,可见justify和ground互释,如an end that surely did not justify such harsh means仅仅为了这个目标显然不应该使用如此严厉手段
groundwork: can apply to a substructure but is used chiefly in a figurative sense: laid the ~ for future negotiations. 又如yesterday's meeting laid the groundwork for the tasks ahead昨天的会议为以后的工作打下基础(作了准备),又如为学生未来的发展奠定基础也to lay the groundwork for future development of our students