The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word TIS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
I
S
More clues leading to the result TIS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "It’s different. but equivalent" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case it’s different. but equivalent = tis.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TIS mean?
TIS noun- A syllable used in solfège to represent the seventh note of a major scale.
- The good luck plant, Cordyline fruticosa, an evergreen shrub.