We introduce trace definability, a weak notion of interpretability, and trace equivalence, a weak notion of equivalence for first order structures and theories. In particular we get an interesting weak equivalence notion for $\mathrm{ NIP}$ theories. We describe a close connection to indiscernible collapse. We also show that if $Q$ is a divisible subgroup of $(\mathbb{ R};+)$ and $\mathcal{ Q}$ is a dp-rank one expansion of $(Q;+,<)$ then exactly one of the following holds: $\mathrm{ Th}(\mathcal{ Q})$ trace defines $\mathrm{ RCF}$ or $\mathcal{ Q}$ is trace equivalent to a reduct of an ordered vector space.
Categories: math.LO