Pronunciation: [ʃˈɔːt wˈa͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The phrase "short while" is spelled as /ʃɔːt waɪl/. In this transcription, the first syllable "short" is pronounced with a long "o" sound (/ɔː/), followed by the "sh" sound (/ʃ/) and the "t" sound (/t/). The second syllable "while" is pronounced with a short "i" sound (/aɪ/), followed by the "l" sound (/l/). When spoken, the word refers to a brief period of time, emphasizing its brevity with the use of "short".
Short while is a phrase that refers to a brief or limited period of time. It is often used to indicate a relatively short duration, typically of a few moments, minutes, or hours. While the exact length of a short while can vary depending on the context, it generally conveys a relatively quick or temporary interval.
The phrase "short while" is commonly employed in everyday speech and writing to describe a timeframe that is not extensive or protracted. It can be used to express a variety of situations, such as waiting for a short while, taking a break for a short while, or expecting someone to return in a short while. For instance, if someone says, "I'll be back in a short while," it suggests that they will be gone for only a brief period of time.
While the phrase implies brevity, the actual length may be subjective and dependent on the circumstances. A short while could be a matter of minutes in one situation, while in another case, it may extend to a few hours. As a result, the interpretation of how long a short while lasts varies from person to person and relies on the specific context in which it is used.
Overall, a short while is a commonly used expression to denote a comparatively limited or concise timeframe, indicating a fairly brief duration.
The word "short" comes from the Old English word "sceort", meaning brief or limited in duration. It is related to the Proto-Germanic word "skurtaz". "While", on the other hand, has a complex etymology. It comes from the Old English word "hwil", which means a period of time, but also has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "hwil" and the Proto-Indo-European word *kʷyelo-, both meaning a brief period of time or a space of time. Over time, "short while" became idiomatic, referring to a brief or limited period in English.
