Contrast theory of meaning

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The Contrast theory of meaning states that any meaningful term must have a possible example and a possible counterexample.

Ernest Gellner in Words and Things, p. 40: "terms derive their meaning from the fact that there are or could be things which fall under them and that there are others which do not." (Emphasis in original.)

"without the bitter, baby, the sweet ain't as sweet." - vanilla sky (see Bittersweet -often used as a metaphor for experiences which have elements of both happiness and sadness.)