The spelling of the word "fithian" can be a bit confusing due to its unusual pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /ˈfɪθiən/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "th" sound in the middle is pronounced as a voiceless dental fricative, similar to the "th" sound in "think" or "bath." The final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, making it almost silent. So, although the spelling may seem counterintuitive, understanding its phonetic pronunciation can help with correct usage.