Meaning is contained in the space between the words. As much, if not more than, in the words themselves
If I cut a circular (w)hole in the centre of a square sheet of paper, is the circle the hole, or is it the piece of paper I have cut away?
If the hole is the circle, then the circle is defined by the paper which surrounds it.
If both the hole & the cutaway piece of paper are a circle, then the circle is defined equally by itself & by its surroundings