to say the least

:  to express in words :  state

:  to state as opinion or belief :  declare

:  utter, pronounce

:  something that is said :  statement

:  an expression of opinion

:  a right or power to influence action or decision

:  about, approximately

:  for example :  as

: superlative of¹little

:  lowest in importance or position

:  smallest in size or degree

:  one that is least

: superlative of²little

:  in the smallest or lowest degree