Definition

The necessary work done before starting a project or activity, often involving research or preparation.

Example

Before we can start the construction, we need to complete the spadework.

Conversation

I heard you started working on the garden project this weekend.

Yeah, I did! There’s a lot of spadework to get done before planting.

That sounds like a lot of effort, but it will be worth it.

Definitely! Once the hard work is done, it will look amazing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spadework is formed from "spade" (from Old English *spadu*, meaning a tool for digging) and "work" (from Old English *weorc*, meaning effort or labor). The term refers to the preliminary or basic work that is necessary to prepare for a larger task, akin to the initial digging done with a spade.

Memory Tip

Think of using a 'spade' to do the initial 'work' needed to prepare for something bigger — that's what spadework means.

Visually Confused Words