Definition

1. Noun:
   • The floor of a building that is at or nearest to the level of the ground around the building: This is the architectural meaning, referring to the lowest floor of a building, typically at street level.
   • Becoming part of a venture at the beginning (regarded as a position of advantage): This is a figurative meaning, referring to the opportunity to be involved in a new project, business, or opportunity from its very start, often implying a chance for greater benefit.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Architectural):
  • The restaurant is located on the ground floor.
  • Our apartment has a ground floor entrance.
• Noun (Figurative, Business/Opportunity):
  • She invested early and got in on the ground floor of the tech startup.
  • By joining the company now, you'll be on the ground floor of an exciting new project.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in on the ground floor": To be involved in something from its very beginning.
  • He was in on the ground floor of the renewable energy movement.
• "to get in on the ground floor": To secure a position or opportunity at the start of a venture.
  • Investors wanted to get in on the ground floor of the new fund.

Variants and Related Words

• First floor: In American English, this is typically synonymous with "ground floor." In British English, the "first floor" is usually the floor above the ground floor.
• Ground-level: (adjective) Located at the same level as the ground.
  • The store has ground-level access.

Synonyms

• Street level: (for the architectural meaning) The floor at the same height as the street.
• Entry level: (for the figurative meaning, though less specific) A starting point.
• Foundation: (figurative) The base or beginning of something.

Related Phrases

• From the ground up: Starting from the very beginning or with the basics.
  • They built the business from the ground up.
• Ground floor opportunity: A specific chance to join something at its inception.
  • This internship offers a real ground floor opportunity in the industry.

Related Idioms

• Get in on the ground floor: This is the primary idiom, meaning to become involved in a promising enterprise at an early stage.
  • If you buy stock now, you'll be getting in on the ground floor.

Noun

1. becoming part of a venture at the beginning (regarded as position of advantage)
   • he got in on the ground floor
2. the floor of a building that is at or nearest to the level of the ground around the building