GROUND

The solid part of the earth's surface

Example: "The plane turned away from the sea and moved back over land"

A rational motive for a belief or action

Example: "The reason that war was declared"

The loose soft material that makes up a large part of the land surface

Example: "They dug into the earth outside the church"

A relation that provides the foundation for something

Example: "They were on a friendly footing"

A position to be won or defended in battle (or as if in battle)

Example: "They gained ground step by step"

The part of a scene (or picture) that lies behind objects in the foreground

Example: "He posed her against a background of rolling hills"

Material in the top layer of the surface of the earth in which plants can grow (especially with reference to its quality or use)

Example: "The land had never been plowed"

A relatively homogeneous percept extending back of the figure on which attention is focused

A connection between an electrical device and a large conducting body, such as the earth (which is taken to be at zero voltage)

(art) the surface (as a wall or canvas) prepared to take the paint for a painting

The first or preliminary coat of paint or size applied to a surface