Final answer:
An 'intellectual' is someone with notable understanding, knowledge, and reasoning capabilities, going beyond basic literacy or expertise and is distinct from a 'snob.' Studies have shown that high intelligence often correlates with successful, well-adjusted individuals, and what is considered intelligent can vary across cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that best describes a person of good understanding, knowledge, and reasoning power is intellectual. This individual is someone who actively engages in critical thinking and the art of reasoning, developing a framework of knowledge based on principles, logic, and moral reasoning. This understanding extends beyond mere book learning, encapsulating the wisdom and ability to apply knowledge in a way that is insightful and effective. Particularly, an intellectual is recognized not only for their ability to reason but also for their broad viewpoint and the capacity to make judicious judgments.
Contrary to the image of high intelligence leading to maladjustment, studies, like those by Terman, have shown that individuals with high IQ levels are often well-adjusted, successful, and have diverse abilities. A broad understanding also includes acknowledging how different cultures value different types of intelligence, from fishing to storytelling, each according to their societal needs and customs.
Genuine understanding and wisdom come from a balanced development of intellectual faculties, as opposed to snobbery, which refers to someone who looks down on others, or merely being literate, which indicates the ability to read and write.