save vs except

[jctgf]

The streets of Toronto were quiet this morning, save for a steady stream of cabs and cars weaving their way through the still dark streets.

hi there,
please, does the word ''save'' mean ''except'' in the sentence above?
how formal is that please?
thanks.

[David L.]

except for; other than for

It's perhaps not so much as its 'formal', as having a literary, poetic quality to it. This is in keeping with the poetic style of writing here -
the still dark streets; and adds to the alliteration :
The streets of Toronto were quiet this morning, save for a steady stream of cabs and cars weaving their way through the still dark streets.

[jctgf]

It's perhaps not so much as its 'formal', as having a literary, poetic quality to it. This is in keeping with the poetic style of writing here -
the still dark streets; and adds to the alliteration :
The streets of Toronto were quiet this morning, save for a steady stream of cabs and cars weaving their way through the still dark streets.

thanks. does it mean the same as ''except''?
thanks again.

[Snowcake]

Yes. save=except.