Here's why:
* Spelling: In English, the spelling of a word can often indicate its pronunciation. A silent letter can affect the sound of the vowel.
* Historical Development: In Old English, the word was spelled "findan," and the "d" was pronounced. Over time, the pronunciation of "d" at the end of words changed in English, and it became silent. The spelling, however, remained the same.
* Vowel Sound: The presence of the silent "d" causes the vowel "i" to have a long sound, making it sound like "fīn." The sound of "i" is not short, as it would be if the "d" were pronounced.
In essence, the silent "d" creates an environment where the "i" vowel is allowed to be pronounced long.