A catalyst …………… the equilibrium state but helps to attain in lesser time.

Explanation

To answer the question, "A catalyst …………… the equilibrium state but helps to attain in lesser time," we need to understand the role of a catalyst in chemical reactions.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Role of a Catalyst**:
- A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It achieves this by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction with a lower activation energy.

2. **Effect on Equilibrium**:
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