Incredible vs. dramatically (adjective vs. adverb)

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
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Business English Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #209 [color=blue]“Internet Securities Trading”, question 2

The World Wide Web creates a(n) … new environment for both investors and companies issuing securities.

(a) decidedly
(b) dramatically
(c) incredibly
(d) intrinsically

Business English Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #209 [color=blue]“Internet Securities Trading”, answer 2

The World Wide Web creates a(n) dramatically new environment for both investors and companies issuing securities.

Correct answer: (b) dramatically

Your answer was: [color=red]incorrect
The World Wide Web creates a(n) incredibly new environment for both investors and companies issuing securities.
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Hello,
An adv is needed here, “incredible” has a meaning of amazingness, why must we use “dramatically” rather than “incredbily”?

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Hi FangFang.

It is possible to use incredibly– or any number of other similar adverbs like fantastically, amazingly, wonderfully– here, but they do not fit the register of a business environment. They are simply too ‘uncontrolled’ in their enthusiasm, and are more appropriate for movie reviews or cooking columns.
.

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I agree that “incredibly” is not suitable here; it is too strong a word.
Often the use/meaning of a word gets expanded too far! At times we need to go back to the basic meaning of that word, and taking an exam like this can be one of those times.

Although “incredibly” is used to mean amazingly, dramatically, extraordinarily, extremely; its basic meaning is unbelievably.
The new environment exists; so why should it be unbelievable?

I agree that “dramatically” is the best answer.